New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Speaker 0]: Madam speaker, would you please call the house to order?

[Speaker 1]: The house will come to order. Good afternoon, colleagues. Imam Hafiz Mas Ali will order will offer us a prayer this morning.

[Speaker 2]: Good afternoon and meaning peace be upon you all and most importantly, I want to start this prayer with the best of words which are the words of almighty God from the holy book of Quran in which Almighty God he says, Meaning that when my servant asks you, oh prophet about me, I am truly near. I respond to one's prayer when they call upon me, so let them respond with obedience and let them respond with obedience by me and worship me so that they perhaps they may be truly guided. And in this verse, almighty God, he is telling us his believers that he answers the calls of those who call upon him. So as we gather here today, we call upon almighty God, our khalik, our creator. And first and foremost, most importantly, we ask almighty God to remind us of the fact and help us unite under the fact that we are all children of Adam and peace be Adam and Eve peace And be upon we ask almighty God to help us create this bond that we are all one family. And under this one bond, we ask almighty God to spread peace among each and every single one of us, to spread peace in our hearts, and to spread peace in our communities, in our nations, and across every corner of the world. And we ask almighty God to bless the leadership of this blessed assembly and all elected officials with the with the wisdom to understand that peace is always the higher road. And we ask almighty God to make them ambassadors of peace in their communities, ambassadors of peace in the nations, and we ask almighty God to let peace start from their communities and spread throughout the world. And we ask almighty God to bless these dedicated public servants in their duties. We ask almighty God to make them a source of justice in their communities. We ask almighty God to give them the strength to uphold the trust of the people who voted for them and to uphold the commitment to the people that they serve. And almighty God, we ask you to protect the vulnerable. Almighty God, we ask you to comfort the suffering. And almighty God, we ask you to extend your infinite mercy to the the ones who are less fortunate among us. And almighty God, we ask you to bless us in our work, to bless our families. Almighty God, we bless you to bless our communities with harmony and peace. And almighty God, we pray that you make New York State our wonderful state, a model of hope for the whole entire world. A living example where people from every race, people from every faith, people from every nationality, and people from every background, they live together in peace and harmony. And almighty God, we ask you to bless us all with success in this world and the next. May God bless our wonderful state of New York. May God bless our wonderful country of America. And may God bless the world, free it from lift it from the darkness of conflict and war and we ask almighty God to make peace a reality for every man, woman, and child upon it. Amen.

[Speaker 0]: Thank you

[Speaker 3]: very much.

[Speaker 1]: Amen. Amen. Visitors are invited to join members in the pledge of allegiance. A quorum being present, the clerk will read the journal of Friday, March 20. Miss Peoples Stokes.

[Speaker 0]: Madam speaker, I move to dispense with the further reading of the journal of Friday, March 20, and that the same stand approved.

[Speaker 1]: Without objection, so ordered.

[Speaker 0]: Thank you, madam speaker. To my colleagues that are in the chambers as well as our guests that are here, I'd like to share a quote with you today. This one comes from Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt was, obviously, everybody knows, the first lady at some point in The United States Of America. She was an influential political figure, a diplomat, a delegate to United Nations, general assembly, a teacher, author, and a humanitarian. Her words for us today. With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. Again, these words are from Eleanor Roosevelt. Madam speaker, colleagues have on their desks a main calendar. This calendar has 21 new bills on it. And after you have done any housekeeping and or the proper introductions, we will take up calendar resolutions on page three. Then we will consent the new bills to the calendar beginning with calendar number 309. That's on page four. There may be a need for further floor activity, madam speaker. Should that be the case, we will advise at that moment. However, this is a general outline of where we're going today. And if you could please get us started with housekeeping and introductions. Thank you, ma'am.

[Speaker 1]: Thank you. We have one piece of housekeeping On a motion by Ms. Rajkumar, page six, calendar number three twenty one, bill number A8047A. The amendments are received and adopted. We do have a few introductions this afternoon. We will start with mister Colton for the purpose of an introduction.

[Speaker 3]: Thank you, madam speaker. I am privileged and honored to introduce Imam Maz Ali, an accounting student at Brooklyn College who is visiting us today represent Iqwa Mashid, Global Community Welfare, United States Chaplain Force and the Shahia Council of the United States of America from my district. He is accompanied by his brother, Mawaz Ali, an EMT, and a student at Brooklyn College, as well as their youngest brother, Huzafar Ahmed, a seventh grade student at Cephlo IS ninety six in my district. We are also joined by distinguished members of several community organizations including Waqeel Ahmed, Adnan Nasir, Jawad Shabir, Mansur Hassan, Ribhan Ahmed Putin from the Pakistani Youth Organizations, Shabir Ahmed from the Brooklyn Emerge, and Mohammed Saddiqi from the Islamic Center of Brooklyn. Bazaar Ruhi Umi Kulsunbutt, Yaseem Hazmid, Haz Hadzikka Kwanungu, and Zanit Kwanungu from the American Council of Minority Women. Answa Ali Nazha Salim, Ifran China Mahub Danish, Shahid Iqwal, Mohammed Zakir, Atif Rahman, and Mohammed Ibrahim, along with barrister David Sakaki. These organizations and individuals are dedicated to serving all communities without discrimination based on race, color, or faith. They continue to work tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to these honored guests.

[Speaker 1]: On behalf of mister Colton, mister Carroll, the speaker, and all members, we welcome the imam and his brothers along with the distinguished guests, community residents, and leaders here to our Assembly Chamber and extend to you the privileges of the floor. We hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you so very much for traveling to visit with us today and for joining us. Thank you. Resolutions, page three. Clerk will read.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 1074, miss Jackson. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 03/22/2026 as Water Day in the state of New York.

[Speaker 1]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number one zero seven five, mister Santa Barbara. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22 through the twenty eighth two thousand twenty six as cleaning week in the state of New York.

[Speaker 1]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number one zero seven six, miss Kasay, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026 as brain injury awareness month in the state of New York.

[Speaker 1]: Miss Kasse, on the resolution.

[Speaker 5]: Thank you, madam speaker. I rise today to speak on this resolution memorializing the governor to proclaim March as brain injury awareness month here in the state of New York. Brain injuries are often an invisible public health issues that affect thousands of New Yorkers and every day families across our state are confronted with the sudden and life altering reality of a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can often stem from falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports related impacts, strokes or other medical complications. Regardless of the cause, the consequences can be profound, permanent and deeply personal. Brain injuries do not present the same way for every individual. For some the effects may include cognitive or memory challenges. For others they may bring physical limitations, emotional changes or the need for sustained rehabilitation and support. What remains constant is the ripple effect of these injuries and how they have on survivors, on families and on the communities that stand strongly beside them. By recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to increasing public understanding, promoting preservation and prevention and strengthening access to care. Awareness is not simply symbolic. It is a catalyst for compassion, coordination and meaningful change. It helps reduce stigma, encourages early intervention and ensures that survivors are seen, supported and never left behind. And I would like to just speak the name of the teacher in my life who made me who I am today, Michael Shelley, who experienced a traumatic brain injury And this today is for him and everyone like him who experienced this sudden change in their lives and it does not diminish at all the gifts that they have given to the community and continue to give to the community. So I thank you for giving me the time to recognize all those who are experiencing this and all those who are supporting them. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Speaker 1]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number one zero seven seven, mister P. Carroll. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026 as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in the state of New York.

[Speaker 1]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. On consent, page four, calendar number three zero nine. Clerk will read.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 329 b, calendar three zero nine, miss Jackson, an act to amend the mental hygiene law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Speaker 1]: The clerk will record the vote. Miss Walsh, to explain her vote.

[Speaker 6]: Thank you, madam speaker. So just briefly, I see that the sponsor isn't here, but I just wanted to speak and explain why I, along with it looks like everybody really supports this bill. I think that in recent years our chamber and we've started to acknowledge the fact and recognize the fact more clearly that substance abuse disorder can at times go hand in hand with mental health issues. And when you have these co occurring issues, it only makes sense to make sure that the treatment is coordinated and as much as possible can be streamlined. So because I believe that this bill will help encourage that, I'm very happy to support it. I think that this will be, this will be helpful. So I'm I'll be in the affirmative. Thank you.

[Speaker 1]: Miss Walsh in the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one thirty nine. Nose, zero.

[Speaker 1]: The bill is passed. Miss Walsh, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Speaker 6]: Thank you very much, madam speaker, for allowing me to interrupt the proceedings briefly in order to introduce some people who are in our chamber today on behalf of Assembly members Tanussis, Riley, Pierzzolo and Fall. Today we have joining with us Bob and Linda Ollis. Bob and Linda Ollis are the proud parents of U. S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis who was killed in action in 2013 in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Ollis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on March 2. And also joining with us today is Linda Thompson who is the Veterans Affairs Liaison for the FDNY. So, madam speaker, on behalf of the assembly members, Tanussis, Riley, Pierisolo, and Fall, would you please welcome these esteemed guests to the chamber and afford to them all the cordialities of the house?

[Speaker 1]: On behalf of miss Walsh, mister Tanussis, members Riley, Pierzzolo, and Fall, we and the speaker, all members, we welcome you to the assembly chamber and extend to you the privileges of the floor, extending deepest condolences for the loss of staff sergeant Michael Hollis. Thank you for giving you giving us your son and for his dedicated service. We hope you enjoy our proceedings today and truly appreciate you joining us today. Thank you so very much for joining us. On consent, page four, calendar number three ten. Clerk will read.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number thirteen ninety two, calendar three ten, miss Cruz, an act to require the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop recommendations.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Speaker 1]: Clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one forty. Nos, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number fourteen twenty eight, calendar three eleven, miss Forrest, an act to amend the insurance law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number twenty four twenty five, calendar three twelve, miss Pollan. An act to amend the social services law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day.

[Speaker 1]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one forty. Nose, zero.

[Speaker 1]: The bill is passed.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number twenty six zero one, calendar three thirteen, miss Kellis, an act to amend the criminal procedure law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 2740A, calendar three fourteen, mister Jacobson, an act to amend the public service law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number thirty two eighty three c, calendar three fifteen, mister Boras, an act to amend the public health law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day.

[Speaker 1]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one forty. Noes, zero.

[Speaker 1]: The bill is passed.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 5682, calendar three sixteen, miss Glick, enact to amend the multiple dwelling law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 5710 a, calendar three seventeen, miss Selaj, enact to amend the insurance law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day.

[Speaker 1]: Clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one forty. Nose, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number fifty eight fifty, calendar three eighteen, miss Glick. Enact to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Speaker 1]: Bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number sixty four sixty five, calendar three nineteen, miss Hunter. Enact to amend the insurance law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number seventy seven ninety six, calendar three twenty, miss Kellis. An act to amend the public officer's law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Speaker 1]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one forty. Noes, zero.

[Speaker 1]: The bill is passed.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 8047 a, calendar three twenty one was previously amended on third reading. Assembly number 8518, calendar three twenty two, Mr. Steck. An act to amend the insurance law.

[Speaker 1]: Ms. Bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 9,390 b, calendar three twenty three, Mr. Berger. An act to amend the insurance law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day.

[Speaker 1]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one forty. Nose, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number 9584 a, calendar three twenty four, miss Warner, an act to amend the racing, pari mutuel wagering, and breeding law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number one thousand and three zero a, calendar three twenty five, Mr. Weapon. An act to amend the insurance law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number one 0080 a, calendar three twenty six. Mister Weider, an act to amend the public officer's law.

[Speaker 1]: This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 10335, calendar three twenty seven. Miss Solage, an act to amend the civil practice law and

[Speaker 1]: rules. This bill is laid aside.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number one zero five one four a, calendar three twenty eight. Miss Desacaro, an act to amend the public health law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Speaker 1]: The clerk will record the vote. Mr. Zuccaro to explain his vote.

[Speaker 7]: Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise today to address placenta accreta spectrum, also known as PASS. A serious condition where the placenta attaches abnormally to the uterus. Since 1980, the incidence of PAS has alarmingly increased from one in twelve hundred and fifty pregnancies to one in two hundred and seventy two by two thousand and twenty five. This dangerous complication often goes undetected until delivery. Oftentimes leading to severe bleeding and life threatening emergencies. In New York, inconsistent screening practices across providers and regions further jeopardize women's health. And that is why this bill today is essential. It mandates that the New York State Department of Health create clear evidence based path screening guidelines ensuring that all pregnant patients receive consistent assessments regardless of their providers. Women and expecting parents deserve clarity about their risks and healthcare providers need the tools to offer informed care. And so, the passage of this bill today, we can establish standardized guidelines to help recognize risk factors, utilize appropriate imaging and refer patients to qualified professionals to risk to high risk deliveries. And so today, Madam Speaker, as a father of three and on behalf of my wife, expected mothers statewide, I proudly vote today in the affirmative. Thank you so much, madam speaker.

[Speaker 1]: Mister Zakar, in the affirmative. Miss Forrest, to explain her vote.

[Speaker 8]: Thank you, madam speaker. I rise to say thank you so much to the sponsor for bringing up this important legislation. When the sponsor speaks about the importance of addressing women's needs during a very pivotal time during prenatal care, it cannot be overstated. It is not just when when we have issues that come up during prenatal care, it is the mother saying, I don't feel well. I see spotting. Am I okay? I'm not really sure. And those statements are taken very seriously backed up by evidence based screenings. So I really wanna commend the sponsor for stepping up and taking time to take those statements that seem very benign, but are covering really deep issues such as a loss of a child and a death of a mother. Thank you so much on behalf of not only myself as a black mother, but also this is a part of addressing black maternal health. So thank you so much sponsor. Thank you for everyone else who co sponsor and support this bill. Thank you for the people who wrote the bill. Good job.

[Speaker 1]: Miss Forrest in the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Speaker 4]: Ayes, one forty. Noes, zero.

[Speaker 1]: The bill is passed.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number 103539, calendar three twenty nine, miss Chandler Waterman, an act to amend the social services law.

[Speaker 1]: Read the last section.

[Speaker 4]: This act shall take effect on the March.

[Speaker 1]: The clerk will record the vote. Miss Chandler Waterman to explain her vote.

[Speaker 9]: Okay. Thank you, madam speaker. I have the privilege to represent black and brown community heavily Caribbean community that came here for a better life. The American dream, which include affordability and dignity. As a mother of four beautiful children, a wife of twenty four years, I had to deal with financial challenges of child care, I decided to open up a twenty four hour child care facility within my home. I'm excited we are focused on universal child care. I want to ensure that we also focus on child care workers, child care providers and child care owners and advocate for fair wages and less burdensome administrative fees and processes. Most of them are just trying to make a living and have come to this country with hard work and skills set to do what we do been doing for hundreds of years, caring for our community children, our future. Child care providers in New York State operate under comprehensive regulations issued by New York State Office of Children and Family Services, while maintaining existing health and safety oversight standards administered by these agencies are important. The frequency of cost and time consuming renewal application documenting documentation submissions and related compliance procedures can become burdensome, especially for smaller child care providers. Extending the licensure and registering time periods promotes operation stability and reduces regulatory burden. We're acting for a set of four years of licenses extended to six years. In order to expand the availability of child care for families in New York, it is important to reduce administrative burdens and compliance costs for child care programs. With that, I proudly vote in the affirmative and I encourage all my colleagues to do as well. Thank you.

[Speaker 1]: Thank you, miss Chandler Waterman in the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results. Ayes, one forty. Nose, zero. The bill is passed. Miss Peoples Stokes.

[Speaker 0]: Madam speaker, do you have any further housekeeping or resolutions?

[Speaker 1]: We have no housekeeping but resolution. If members could please take their seats, clear the aisles for a resolution, please. A resolution by mister Tanuzis. Clerk will read.

[Speaker 4]: Assembly number ten sixty six, mister Tanuzis. Legislative resolution honoring staff sergeant Michael H. Ollis posthumously upon the receiving the congressional medal of medal of honor and his induction into the Hall Of Heroes.

[Speaker 1]: Mister Tanussis, on the resolution.

[Speaker 10]: Thank you, madam speaker. I rise today to speak of not just our hometown hero on Staten Island, but an American hero, Michael Ollis, who on 08/28/2013, while fighting for his nation in Afghanistan, was killed when he placed himself between a suicide bomber and a Polish allied officer, shielding the officer from the full force of the explosion and at the same time, unfortunately, sacrificing his own life. According to several witnesses, his actions not only saved the life of the Polish officer, but also helped preserve the lives of more than 40 military and civilian personnel on the actual military base. We are privileged to have here today his parents, Bob and Linda Ollis, who hailed from the New Dorp section of Staten Island and started a foundation in his honor. For many years and through various congressional representatives, there was a push for staff sergeant Ollis to be awarded the medal of honor by United States president. Finally, on 03/02/2026, after years of waiting, Staff Sergeant Alice was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Trump in the White House. Thanks to the great advocacy of Congresswoman Nicole Maliotakis. Michael, thank you for your service to our nation. Your hometown of Staten Island is very proud of you. And we will never ever forget your bravery and sacrifice for our great nation. Thank you very, much.

[Speaker 1]: Mister Riley. Thank

[Speaker 11]: you, madam speaker. Just to give you a little more insight into the impact that Michael Ollis has had on Staten Island. If you go to any school in Staten Island, you hear about his service, his commitment, and his leadership. There's

[Speaker 2]: been

[Speaker 11]: a statue placed at Petrides High School, his alma mater. His legacy has such an impact that we closed down a major thoroughfare, New Dorp Lane for a race in his honor. The impact that he had on our community in Staten Island sets a great foundation for our future leaders. And we talk about that each and every day in Staten Island. And thank you to Bob and Linda Ollis for giving us your son, a great role model that we can only imagine being half of the hero he really is. Thank you. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Speaker 1]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. We have a number of resolutions before objection. These resolutions will be taken up together on the resolutions. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed, no. The resolutions are adopted, miss People Stokes.

[Speaker 0]: Madam speaker, I now move that the assembly stand adjourned and, we reconvene at 2PM, Tuesday, March 24. Tomorrow will be in a session day.

[Speaker 1]: On miss Peoples' the house stands adjourned.