New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, will you please call the house to order?

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The house will come to order. Good afternoon, colleagues. Reverend Donna Elier will offer a prayer

[Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky]: for us

[Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson]: this afternoon.

[Rev. Donna Elier]: Let us pray. O God whom we call by many names, accept our gratitude for the beauty of this day and the promise it holds. Thank you for the goodness made known to us in one another and we count it as a privilege to be able to do meaningful work that builds up our communities, our state, our nation, and the world. Pour out a generous measure of your love and your spirit and grace upon each assembly member and upon all staff, those in the spotlight, and those whose work goes unseen. Gift the whole body with wisdom, compassion, and discernment, and enable them to use their most intelligent and creative ideas to make decisions, to hone a budget, to solve problems, and to reach across differences in perspective. Help them and fill them with courage and hope, and strengthen their listening as well as their speaking. Comfort any who grieve, heal those who on this day feel unwell or are feeling weary, protect all who are in harm's way, and hasten the day when all people will have the basic necessities of life and the hope to live lives of joy and thanksgiving. And you, oh God, make peace in high places. Bring peace to our world. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Amen. Visitors are invited to join members in the pledge of allegiance. A quorum being present, the clerk will read the journal of Friday, April 24, mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, I move to dispense with the further reading of the journal of Friday, April 24, and at the same stand approved.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Without objection, so ordered.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: We have a quote today by Henry Ford that says, coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success. And again these words are by Henry Ford. Members have on their desk a main calendar with 44 new bills. There is also a debate list. Before any housekeeping and or introductions, we will be calling for the following committees to meet in the Speakers Conference Room. Ways and means and rules. These committees will produce an A calendar which we will take up today. We will also be calling for the following committees to meet, aging, agriculture's and children's and families. We will begin our floor work by taking up calendar resolutions on page three. After that, we will then consent new bills to the calendar beginning with calendar three forty six on page five. I will announce any further floor activity as we proceed. So with that, as a general outline, Madam Speaker, let us begin by calling for the Ways and Means Committee to meet in the Speakers Conference Room.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. Ways and Means Committee members, please make your way quietly to the Speakers Conference Room. Ways and Means Speakers Conference Room, we have a few pieces of housekeeping. On a motion by mister Zaccaro, page five, calendar number three forty six, bill number a one two nine b, the amendments are received and adopted. On a motion by miss Glick, page 21, calendar number 68, bill number a one seven four nine. The amendments are received and adopted. We have a few introductions. We will start with Mr. Blankenbush for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember Kenneth D. Blankenbush]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We I have three guests from my district down. If you were going through the well today, you would see the celebration of the Adirondacks. Adirondack Day is here. And every year, we try to promote the Adirondacks. And it was a great event. You're probably still down there for a little while. But today, coming down from from the North Country is Jackie Kelly, who is the governor's superintendent, the high school superintendent. With her is Pat Kelly, is the CEO of St. Lawrence County's IDA, and Mark Hall, who is chairman of the Adirondack Park Agency, all very important individuals that support the Adirondacks. And I would like to have you welcome them to the chamber and offer them the cordiality of the floor.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On behalf of Mr. Blankenbush, the speaker, and all members, welcome our guests from the North Country today. We welcome you to our Assembly Chamber and extend you the privileges of the floor. Hoping you enjoy our proceedings today. It is a privilege to see you traveling so far to be with us today. Especially on a very important Adirondack Day which we love so much. So thank you so very much for traveling and joining us today. Thank you. Mister Cashman, for the purpose of an introduction.

[Assemblymember Billy Jones]: Madam speaker, I rise today to introduce distinguished leaders from local government in in the Hundred And 15th District who have joined us here at the capital today for Adirondack Day. They made a trip to advocate for the needs and the priorities of their communities and the broader North Country. Joining us in the chambers today are Town of Plattsburgh supervisor Chuck Costick, Village Of Champlain mayor Janet Mufetridge, and Town Of Moore supervisor Jeff Menard. Each of them brings a strong commitment to public service and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing our region. I am grateful for their leadership, their friendship, and taking the time today to be here. Madam speaker, would you please welcome them and extend the privileges of the floor? Thank you. Yes.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Of course, on behalf of mister Cashman, the speaker, and all members, we welcome our supervisor, colleagues from Plattsburgh and Moores, also, the champagne mayor here to our people's house and extend to you the privileges of the floor. Hoping you enjoy our proceedings today. It's wonderful, as I mentioned before, to see our guests arriving here for our eighty k day. Hopefully, our colleagues were able to see all of the wonderful things that the Adirondacks provides to our all of our state residents and to those who travel here. So thank you so very much for traveling here and for joining us today. Thank you. Resolutions, page three. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number one one eight three, mister Vannell. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as financial literacy month in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Mister Vannell on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Clyde Vanel]: Thank you Madam Speaker. April is the National Financial Literacy Month and it is a time dedicated to boost financial wellness by improving financial management skills, setting goals, and understanding investment. It's also an ideal opportunity to spring clean, to make sure that you take care of your personal finances, you create budgets, build emergency funds, and to review credit reports and to reduce financial stress. New York State is the financial capital of the world. We have to make sure that New Yorkers are financially literate. We encourage and to focus on the fundamentals to emphasize creating and reviewing a personal budget, to establish a personal fund, and learning to manage debt. We also want to make sure that people are connected to resources Where you can use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, also use social security administration for your retirement plans, and also with the Department of State Attorney General's Office. And we're going to be working hard this year to provide statewide financial literacy programs for New Yorkers from the youth, adults, and seniors. So let's make sure that we recognize financial literacy month and but not just for the month but for everyday for everyday New Yorkers.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you mister Bologna on the resolution.

[Unidentified Member (financial literacy supporter)]: Thank you madam speaker. I want to thank the sponsor for for bringing this up today. Financial literacy is is incredibly important, and it should be something that everyone has access to and really everyone has comfort with. No matter what your background is, no matter where you are, how you grew up, financial literacy really is the key to a a long term successful, you know, life force for so many people to get people, whether it's out of poverty, move up upward mobility, you know, living the American dream and in their houses. So I've had the benefit of of reading a number of financial books that have have changed my life. So I really think it's important that we do everything that we can in this body to make sure that future generations have the opportunity to live the American dream, to to propel themselves forward, and to really take advantage of everything that capitalism has to offer. So with that, again, I want to thank the sponsor, and it's a it's a good month to to talk about finances. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. Mr. Jacobson on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Jonathan G. Jacobson]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I want to thank the sponsor for this resolution. As most of you know, I've had a bill to, require that all high school seniors receive during their course of high school financial a financial literacy course. And while I was not successful in passing this bill, I was successful in lobbying and advocating for it because the state education department is now gonna require financial literacy for all high scores in New York State. So we have to stay on top of it to make sure that it's that our schools follow through and we give enough support, not only morally but financially so that all of the schools will be able to meet this important requirement. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 1,200, Ms. Williams. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 04/27/2026 as children of the Holocaust Remembrance Day in the state of New York. On

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number one two zero one, mister Levine, legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 24 through the 2026 as student leadership week in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted. Mister Fall?

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, can you call on the rules committee to meet in the Speaker's Conference Room?

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Rules committee members, please make your way quietly to the Speaker's Conference Room. Rules committee members to the Speaker's Conference Room. Resolution twelve oh two, clerical Reid.

[Reading Clerk (alternate)]: Resolution 12 o two, mister Anderson. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as second chance month in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Mister Anderson on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson]: Thank you, madam speaker. I rise this afternoon to speak on this very important resolution that I've introduced for the past few years here on this floor to call on Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April as second chance month in the state of New York. It is so important that we acknowledge individuals who are reintegrating into the community after serving time in prison and those who are incarcerated that are doing the right thing behind bars and are earning the opportunity in which to either go before parole or to see an opportunity outside of behind bars. The opportunity to afford individuals a second chance in life is a core American value. Nearly seventy million Americans have criminal records but each year about six hundred and forty thousand people will return from incarceration nationwide and that includes about 20,000 people here in the state of New York. And so we also must acknowledge that there are a number of different barriers that impact New Yorkers as they're returning home from incarceration. We also need to recognize that many formerly incarcerated folks were once victims themselves of harmful upbringings and socioeconomic factors that led them down the wrong path. We need to move from a space that is punitive solely to a space that also rehabilitates and reeducates those who need and want and call for that support. And that's why each year I introduce this resolution on the floor to call on this body and the governor to memorialize Second Chance Month because we know that folks do deserve a chance at redemption. So Madam Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will support this resolution today and I hope that back in their districts and in their communities across the state that they will acknowledge this very important month as we fight to make sure that all New Yorkers learn it and fight hard can can have a second chance. Thank you madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (alternate)]: Resolution 12 o three, mister McDonald. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026 as tardive dyskinesia awareness week in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (alternate)]: Resolution 12 o four, miss Lunsford. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026 as early intervention awareness month in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (alternate)]: Resolution 12 o five, mister DeStefano. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026 as Service Animal Appreciation Month in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Mister DeStefano, on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Joseph P. DeStefano]: Thank you, madam speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this resolution. September is going to be support animal appreciation month in the state of New York. It's time to recognize the incredible role support animals play in the lives of so many people. These animals provide comfort, companionship and stability to individuals facing emotional, physical and mental challenges. Whether they are guiding someone through their anxiety, helping a veteran cope with trauma, or simply offering unconditional love during difficult times, support animals make a powerful difference in everyday life. Dogs, cats and other support animals are more than pets. They are trusted companions who help reduce stress, loneliness and depression. Their presence can bring a calm influence and confidence to those who rely on them. For many people, a support animal is an important part of healing and independence. Support Animals Appreciation Month also reminds us that the responsibility that comes with caring for these animals. They deserve kindness, proper training, medical care, and loving homes. By treating them with respect, we honor their service that they provide. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the bond between humans and animals to thank these loyal companions for the comfort and support they give so selflessly. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? No. The resolution is adopted.

[Reading Clerk (alternate)]: Resolution 12 o six, mister Sayaj. Legislative resolution memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 11/28/2026 as Albanian American Heritage Day in the state of New York.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Mister Sayaj on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Nader J. Sayegh]: Thank you very much, madam speaker. I rise today celebrating Albanian American independence which took place on 11/28/1912 and also to celebrate the Albanian American community in my city of Yonkers, New York State, the nation. Nearly 300,000,000, 300,000 people that live in The United States of Albanian descent, who came in the early nineteenth century, as all other ethnic groups worked very hard, supported their families, promoted business development and economic growth. And I gotta tell you, the level of expertise, especially in the restaurant and the food industry has been extraordinary. And I've sampled their cuisine so often to the point that it really sets a standard for outstanding service and quality. So today is significant because we continue here in the state capital, in the assembly, to recognize the diversity of New York State and the flavors of different cultures and traditions, especially the Albanian American community that they bring to our great state. Thank you very much.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. Mister Zacaro on the resolution.

[Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.]: Thank you madam speaker. Today I rise to recognize Albanian American heritage month. A time to celebrate a community that has contributed so much to our state and to our country. And in my district, have the privilege of representing one of the largest and fastest growing Albanian American communities in this state. These are families who came here in search of an opportunity of stability, a better life, not just for themselves but for the next generation of Albanian Americans. And what they have built is something worth recognizing today. They have opened businesses, strengthened neighborhoods, supported our local economies, and have raised families grounded in strong values. For many Albanian Americans, the journey to this country was not easy. It was shaped by sacrifice, by uncertainty, and by courage to start over. And that history is not forgotten. It lives in its own ways and communities that show up for one another and for all of us. And this month is about honoring that story. It's about recognizing a heritage rich in culture and language and tradition, and a community that contributes to growth and to leadership. But it's also personal because when I look across my district, I don't just see statistics or demographics. I see neighbors. I see small business owners. I see parents and students. I see the work of one of my predecessors, Mark Jonai, who was a former member of this body. I see the work of my chief of staff, Ornela Bashiri, who leads my district's efforts. And I see the work of already 100 Malzou who serves my district as its district leader. And so Albanian American Heritage Month is a reminder that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and the stories of immigrant communities are woven into the fabric of who we are as a state. And with that, I rise proudly to support this resolution. Thank you so much, madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolution is adopted. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, can you call on the aging committee to meet in the speaker's conference room?

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Aging committee members, please make your way quietly to the speaker's conference room. Aging committee members, Speaker's Conference Room. Mister Fall? Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, members have on their desk an a calendar. I now move to advance the a calendar.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On a motion by mister Fall, the a calendar is advanced. Page three rules report one zero three, clerical Reid.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number one one one five zero, rules report one zero three, mister Pretlow, an act making appropriations for the support of government. On

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: a motion by mister Pretlow, the senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Governor's message is at the desk. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk]: I hereby certify to an immediate vote, Kathy Hochul, governor.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: An explanation has been requested, mister Pretlow.

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: Yes, madam speaker, and good after good afternoon, my colleagues. Today we are doing another extender. This bill would ensure funding for state operations and other programs through 04/30/2026. The bill includes additional funding for institutional payroll, public health programs, unemployment insurance, support for OPWD deep services, veterans programs, and general state charges.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Mister Paul Massano.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: Thank you, madam speaker. Will the chairman yield for some questions?

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Will the chair yield? Absolutely. Chair yields.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: Hello, mister Pottlow. I hope you had a nice weekend.

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: It was very nice. Good. It rained.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: No rain, no snow?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: No snow. Just rained this weekend.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: Hopefully, optimistic side for our budget negotiations would you say maybe? Yes. Good. That's good. Just real quickly, just go over a few things if I may. I know we talked about it. Period? Well, says April 30. This goes to April 30, correct?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: Yes.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: And, the total amount, this being our seventh budget extender, the total amount with the seven budget extender, how

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: much would that be? $12,600,000,000 Okay.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: And, again, what is the increase in this extender above the previous extender?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: This is $2,500,000,000 Okay.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: You had mentioned this is for our institutional payroll, is that correct?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: Yes.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: So, like for docs, OPWD, OMH, DOH, stuff like that?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: Yes. Okay, perfect.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: Since we talked last week, was wondering if we could maybe just kind of get into a little bit about where things stand, where we spent, where we talked last time. Have we begun negotiating on the spending side of the budget yet? And if so, have we established any table targets?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: As I had mentioned to you the last time we had this conversation, we have not been discussing anything fiscal at this point. We're mostly dealing with the various policy items that are included in the budget.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: Okay, that's fair enough. That's what I thought, I just wanted to ask the question. As far as some of these policy proposals are concerned, think I saw a report that you might be close on some auto insurance changes. Is there any details on that that you might be able

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: I'm not able able to share with share any detail, but I can assure you that we are getting closer on actually all the issues that were in question.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: So, feel we are getting closer on auto insurance?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: I believe we are closer on auto insurance. We are closer closer on immigration. We're closer on CLCPA and we're closer on the other thing.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: That's good to know. So, with that being close, do you expect that we might be taking up any budget bills by the end of this week?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: Well, when we finish with the policy items, then we have to start negotiating the dollars in those budgets. That's going to take at least another week. Going We to do, I believe, an extended later this week for the next week. And then once everything is finalized, it's going to take three or four days to debate the budget unless you accept everything that's provided there.

[Assemblymember Nader J. Sayegh]: Okay, that's fair enough.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: I appreciate that explanation. Our next extender, would you expect to be taken up on Wednesday or Thursday? I know it goes till Thursday.

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: I believe it will be Wednesday.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: Okay, that's good to know. And

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: that extender, that, what possible payroll would be addressing a payroll during that budget extender?

[Assemblymember Gary J. Pretlow]: Well, the next payroll is due by the thirtieth.

[Assemblymember Nader J. Sayegh]: Okay.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: And I know like this one's the institutional. Would that be one like with emergency payroll or that be something else? Yes. Okay, perfect. Mr. Prevost, as always, I appreciate your time. I look forward to our next conversation later in the week. Madam Speaker, on the bill. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On the bill.

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: I want to thank the chairman again for his time and trying to give us a little bit more clarification on where we are. But the score right now is seven budget extenders versus one budget bill. We are now twenty seven days late, and although there seems a bit of optimism from the chairman, we are still ways to go, apparently said. Seven budget extenders. And really, we don't seem to know where we stand specifically on where these issues are. I know there's talks we're getting closer, but we still don't have any details. The people we represent at home do not have any details. No table targets. No financial plans still. And we use the word emergency all of the time. It's really lost its meaning. This isn't an emergency. There's no urgency. Just simply delay. Delay. Delay. And let's put that into perspective. Know, our budget was due April 1. And when you look at other large states like California, Florida, and Texas, were compared to on different occasions, they haven't had a late budget in the past five years, but we've been late every budget under Governor Hochul five years in a row, not one budget on time. Those states that I mentioned, they're not divided governed either. They're controlled by one party, but they seem to be able to get a budget done on time. How come we cannot do that? It seems like a late budget is not inevitable. It's a choice. And New York has really become the outlier. Almost every other state manages to pass a budget on time, which reflects priorities, negotiations, and compromise on time. And instead of transparency, we continue to get silence. Instead of a plan, we continue to get more and more extenders. This is really not a process anyone should be defending. This

[Assemblymember Nader J. Sayegh]: is

[Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano]: a process that shuts people out. And we hear a lot about New York leading, leading by example, and setting the standard. But this is not leadership. This is not an example anyone should be following. Unfortunately, it's the example that we continue to set. So, Madam Speaker, although I'm disappointed here again, but I'm going to vote yes on this extender because it's imperative that we keep government open, pay our state employees who do a tremendous job all across the board for us to let them know that even though it's dysfunctional in the legislature and the governor not getting a budget done on time, that we're going to continue to recognize their service, important quality service they provide to us to make sure they get their paychecks and their paychecks on time, and that the services they provide and the services that are provided to individuals around the state in need get those services. So again, I will be voting yes, but hopefully next time we talk, we're going to be even closer, and let's get this done the people we represent. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This section will take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Mister Fall?

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, can you call on the agriculture committee to meet in the Speaker's Conference Room?

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Agriculture committee members, please make your way to the Speaker's Conference Room. Agriculture committee members, please make your way to Speaker's Conference Room. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty eight. Nays, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, on behalf of mister Raga, we have an introduction for some special guests in his district, in District 30. We welcome the Burmesee and they are actually right behind you, Madam Speaker. We welcome the Burmesee and Thai communities of Assembly District 30 and across New York State. Earlier today, they came together to host a joint celebration of Songkran and Tingyang beautiful traditions that mark the new year in Thailand and Myanmar. These festivals highlight share themes of renewal, reflection and community. Madam Speaker, would you be so kind to welcome this group to the people's house?

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Of course. On behalf of Mr. Fall, Mr. Raga, the speaker, and all members, we welcome you to the assembly chamber, extending to you the privileges of the floor. It's always wonderful to see special community guests from district offices of our colleagues. So we hope you enjoy our proceedings today. Thank you for traveling to visit with us today and for joining us today. Thank you. On the main calendar on consent, page five, calendar number three forty six, clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 129 b, calendar three forty six was previously amended on third reading. Assembly number 198 a, calendar three forty seven, Ms. Pollan, an act to amend the executive law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number nine zero seven a, calendar three forty eight, miss Pollan, an act to amend the executive law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 1103, calendar three forty nine, miss Glick, an act to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number one nine three one, calendar three fifty, Ms. Pollan. An act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 2400A, a, calendar three fifty one, mister Eichenstein, an act to amend the public service law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take it back to immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty eight. Nose, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number twenty six twenty nine a, calendar three fifty two, miss Rosenthal, an act to amend the criminal procedure law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 3055, calendar three fifty three, mister R. Carroll, an act to amend the general business law and the banking law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 5,008, calendar three fifty four, Ms. Daragha. Enact to amend the public officer's law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number seven thousand one forty seven, calendar three fifty five, Ms. Walker, enact to amend the correction law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 7,620, calendar three fifty six, Ms. Callis, enact to amend the general municipal law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This action will take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty seven, noes, one.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, can you call on the children's and families committee to meet in the Speaker's conference Room?

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Children and families, please meet mister Hevesy in the Speaker's conference Room. Children and families committee members, speaker's conference room, mister Faul.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: We madam speaker, we have an introduction on behalf of member Pauline and member Verdict. We are pleased to introduce Armato and Sheila Gramajo to the people's house. Both of them selflessly helped a woman who was in a dire situation and are viewed as heralds by the local community and I ask you if you could join me in recognizing Armada and Sheila for their actions and virtues and extend to them the privileges of the floor.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On behalf of mister Fall, miss Pollan, mister Burdick, the speaker, and all members, we welcome our distinguished guests to our assembly chamber extending to you the privileges of the floor. Hope you enjoy our proceedings today, and I see your medals and, the award certificates that you are holding. So thank you so very much for your selfless, acts of heroism. It's truly appreciated, obviously recognized as well. So thank you so very much, and congratulations to you. Thank you for joining us today. On consent page seven, calendar number three fifty seven. Clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 7896 a, calendar three fifty '7. Mister Borres, an act to amend the criminal procedure law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On a motion by Mr. Borres, the Senate bill is before the House. The Senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty nine. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 8204 a, calendar three fifty eight, miss Clark, an act to amend the education law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Miss Walsh to explain her vote.

[Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh]: Thank you, madam speaker. So I don't see the sponsor here today, but I wanted to speak on this bill briefly because it reminds me of another bill that that I carry as well. According to the sponsor's memo, this bill was introduced in response to a situation in Orange County where an elementary student told his teacher that he was sexually assaulted by another student. The child was sent back to class, returned home and then explained the situation to his mother. The child told his own mother. The child's mother was never notified by school officials and was only contacted by state police hours later. What this bill does is it requires, it changes the education law to require immediate notification to the parent of a student when there is an allegation of child abuse in an educational setting made either by the student or by a person other than the subject student. And absolutely wholeheartedly support this bill. I also want to mention that I have a bill and I've carried it for years called Jacob's Law. Jacob Terrace in 2015 committed suicide following repeated bullying in school. A child from my district. So Assembly Bill nine forty five I think would be a great companion to this bill that we're passing today. And I think that if bottom line is if you are a parent and your child is being sexually assaulted or your child is being bullied in school, you ought to know. You ought to be told immediately about it. So I will certainly vote in the affirmative on this one. Thank you, madam speaker.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Thank you. Miss Walsh and the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty nine. Nays, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 800263 b, calendar three fifty nine, miss Desacaro, an act to amend the executive law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: This bill is laid aside.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 8443, calendar three sixty, miss Davila, an act to amend the social services law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On a motion by miss Davila. The senate bill is before the house. The senate bill is advanced. Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty nine. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 8470B, calendar three sixty one, mister Magnarelli, an act to amend the public authority's law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty nine. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 8722 calendar 362, miss Pfeffer Amato, an act to amend the civil service law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty nine. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 8771, calendar three sixty three, mister Santa Barbara, an act to amend the general business law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This action will take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one thirty nine. Nose, zero. The bill is passed. Assembly number 8796, calendar three sixty four, mister Borres, enact to amend the alcoholic beverage control law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one forty. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 8849B, calendar three sixty five, mister McDonald, an act to amend the public health law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one forty. Noes, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 9001, Calendar366, mister Steck, enact to amend the mental hygiene law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect on the one hundred and eightieth day.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one forty one. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. The vote. Oh, excuse me. The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 9240A, calendar 367, mister Berger. Enact to amend the tax law. Here we go.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last

[Reading Clerk]: section. This act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Clerk will record this vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one forty one. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 9274, calendar 368, mister McDonald, an act to amend the general business law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This act shall take effect on the one hundred and eightieth day.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Mister McDonald to explain his vote.

[Assemblymember John T. McDonald III]: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to take a moment to offer my 2¢ on this bill. It's coming. So last summer, the president announced that it costs 3 and a half cents to make a penny. And obviously, I agree it makes perfect sense. We really don't need to keep printing pennies and that's going to start, if not already, to have an impact on our local stores. One of the challenges because it wasn't done through legislation, it's kind of left all the different legislatures and all the different states in a very interesting mix where what do people do? How do merchants, how do businesses handle this? And as you know, sometimes we've had a history of passing well intentioned bills, but we end up fining businesses for some innocent mistakes. The idea behind this legislation, which also has support in the Senate, is to give businesses and actually consumers direction on how to round. So there'll be some rounding up and some rounding down. This has been very successful in Canada. It's been very successful in Europe. It really is pretty much a draw. There's no problems for any individuals. And if anyone has any concerns, I'd appreciate a penny for their thoughts. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Mr. McDonald in the affirmative. Mister Jacobson, to explain his vote. I

[Assemblymember Jonathan G. Jacobson]: wanted to offer the sponsor a penny for his thoughts, but I thought better of it. It said, let's just give him the whole nickel, And I vote in the affirmative. Thank you.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Mister Jacobson in the affirmative. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one forty one. Nose, zero.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 9304, calendar 369, miss Rosenthal, enact to amend the public health law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This action will take effect immediately.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote. Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one forty. Noes, one.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Bill is passed.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number 9351 a, calendar three seventy, mister Magnarelli, enact to amend the vehicle in traffic law.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: Read the last section.

[Reading Clerk]: This action will take effect on the one hundred and eightieth day.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: The clerk will record the vote.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Are there any other votes? Announce the results.

[Reading Clerk]: Ayes, one forty one. Nays, zero.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: The bill is passed. Missed the fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Mister speaker, do we have further housekeeping or resolutions?

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Yes. Yes. We have one resolution by mister Dinowitz. The clerk will read.

[Reading Clerk]: Assembly number eleven ninety eight, mister Dinowitz. Legislative resolution mourning the death of the honorable Elliot Engel, assemblyman, congressman, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Mister Dinowitz on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz]: Thank you. Elliot Engel was a bronze boy who came from modest means and rose to the chairmanship of one of the most powerful committees in congress. He helped countless people in The Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland and loved serving our community. Elliot Engel passed away on on 04/10/2026. His grandparents were Ukrainian Jewish immigrants. His father was an iron worker. He grew up in The Bronx in public housing in the Speaker's District, in fact, in Eastchester Gardens and then in Co Op City. He went to public schools in The Bronx and he went to what was then Hunter College in The Bronx which is now Lehman College. He was elected democratic district leader in 1976 defeating the candidate of the Bronx Democratic Organization. He ran for assembly in 1977 in a special election and he was elected by a 103 votes. He chaired the committee on alcoholism and drug abuse and the Mitchell Amor subcommittee here in the assembly. In 1988, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives and eventually became the longest serving congressman in the history of The Bronx. In congress, he was a strong supporter of single payer health care and then the Affordable Care Act. He had a perfect record on the environment and on gun control. He eventually rose to the chairmanship of the house foreign affairs committee. He fought against the ethnic cleansing of Albanians and for the independence of Kosovo. He stood for recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel. He fought for emergency relief for Haiti. He co chaired the congressional ad hoc committee on Irish affairs. He was the author of the Harkin Angle Protocol which addressed the issue of child labor in the cocoa fields of West Africa. He was deeply committed to human rights. His work had an impact across the world. And his office and himself helped thousands, probably tens of thousands of constituents over his many years of service. Elliot Angle was my friend for over fifty years. I ask that we honor the life of a good human being who led a life well lived. Congressman Elliot Angle.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Thank you, mister Dinowitz. So, you know, my recollections of congressman Engel, I was always a pretty good student in school. The first award that I got for my achievement in school came from then assemblyman Elliot Engel. So that's how far back my relationship with congressman Engel goes. And it wasn't always a time that he and I were political allies, but I'd say the one thing about him, it never became anything personal with me and him. But then once I got elected to the assembly, I'd say we were very close allies. We worked on a on a lot of things. But the life that congressman Ingle lived was really about service. I mean, from a young age, he was a member of the assembly and then served with distinction in in in congress. And he was, I'd say, an absolute person that was dedicated to to my community in the in the Northeast Bronx, and it was a a privilege, like I said, to to think that I would one day serve in a as a government colleague to someone who gave me my first award in in school is is just something a testament to him, to to my neighborhood about the closeness of of people when you decide to give your life, you know, to public service. And that's something that the congressman did. He gave his entire adult life to to people in his community and the people that he represented. And he represented all areas of his district well. So he absolutely deserves recognition in this resolution, and absolutely, may his soul rest in peace. Mister Benedetto, on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Michael R. Benedetto]: Thank you, mister speaker, letting me talk on this resolution. Elliot Engel was a friend, pure and simple. I worked on Elliot Engel's campaign when he was elected to the state assembly. I celebrated with him that night and when we won along with the rest of the members of the Bronx reformed Democrats. Somebody has gone away. Now people are after us. And and that's the way with the world. I worked on Elliot Engel's congressional campaign. You know, when he was elected to congress, there were a lot of people who wanted to run for that seat. Only Elliott had enough guts to go out there and challenge a sitting congressman who was a little bit tainted at that time. But Elliott did. And we worked together when I was elected to the state assembly because I served Co Op City and I currently sit in his seat. It's an honor to sit in his seat. He was a good man. He was a good assemblyman. He was a fine congressman. I was just proud to know him and to follow his lead on so many things. God bless his soul. Thank you for putting this forward.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Ms. Poland on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Amy Paulin]: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I got to know Elliot later than most of the rest of you. He was redistricted to represent my area, I guess two redistrictings ago. And I remember when I first met him, he gave me his cell phone. And I didn't expect to get it nor did I expect to really use it. And then I think it was maybe two weeks later, I was off Saturday night going to a wedding and I got an emergency call from a staff person representing the interests of a constituent in my district whose brother was dying. And they had two sisters from a country they needed a special visa to get there. And they wanted those sisters to see their brother who was just maybe forty eight hours from his deathbed. And I didn't know what to do. So I called Elliot. It was, I'm going to say, o'clock on a Saturday night. And I didn't really even know him. And I shared the experience. And by Sunday, these two women were on a plane coming to visit their dying brother. And I will always just remember how responsive and how immediate he was to something that was something he didn't have to do. He didn't have to pick up the phone and he didn't have to act that quickly. He was a congress member for a long time and I just appreciated how responsive he was to regular people. He was also an avid Mets fan, something that I shared with him that the three people here did not. And how excited he was to go to games and we went to games together. And sometimes he brought some of his Yankee fans with him. And they tolerated his enthusiasm and his love for that team. So I just have these wonderful memories and I wanted to show them. Thank you.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Mr. Saez, on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Nader J. Sayegh]: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I also rise to give my condolences on behalf of the residents of Yonkers, New York. Elliot Engel represented The Bronx and predominantly Yonkers. And I've had an opportunity on numerous occasions to know and deal firsthand with Congressman Engel, and witnessed his availability and his recognition of the diversification in his district. And he made it his attempt to attend every event, every cultural event. He made it his attempt to reach out and work as the assembly members have stated on many matters that might be federal matters, immigration matters, and other departments. So he will dearly be missed, and he definitely is someone that took the role of congressman very seriously, and really dedicated his life to doing his best. So our deepest sympathy to the Engel family and to his legacy. Thank you.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Mr. Yeager on the resolution.

[Unidentified Brooklyn Member (tribute to Rep. Engel)]: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Although I represent Brooklyn, that's not really where I started as many of my colleagues know. I was a young aide in The Bronx years ago and had many occasion to encounter Congressman Angle. And whenever I was in his universe, was probably the one person around him he could have ignored more than anyone else. I was a staffer, I didn't even live in The Bronx but he was the epitome of a mensch. He was somebody who would take the time to ask you how you're doing, put his arm around you and when we were in government settings and we were dealing with whatever issues we were dealing with at the time, there was really no fact as minute it may be that he didn't have his thumb on. He understood the neighborhoods he represented. He understood every aspect of government. The last time we had a chance together to see each other at the Salute to Israel Parade is now about six years ago and he was the same that I remembered him many years before. He loved the Jewish people. He loved the State Of Israel. He loved serving The Bronx and then later Westchester and he loved public service. He's somebody who gave his life to serving his community. It was a passion of his in every way and his passing is tremendous and it's felt far beyond the neighborhoods that he represented. It's felt in my community. In Brooklyn, we all knew him to be somebody who was passionate and in love with the state of Israel and the people of Israel and as a defender of the Jewish people. And, I join with my good colleagues everywhere in remembering him and mourning his passing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Mr. Otis on the resolution.

[Assemblymember Steve Otis]: Congressman Engel came to our area in Westchester, the part that I represent, after redistricting. He previously had a district that was Rockland County, a sliver of Westchester in the Bronx. And when he got the sound shore of Westchester County, he made it his business like no other congressman to know every local official. I come from a local government background, and we respect that. To know all the local officials, to show up at all the local events, to be a presence. He but he also, as you all know, had a presence on the world stage as chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and did distinguished work around the globe, very important work. What I will remember most about, Elliot is that he was a gentleman, he was a kind man, he was a thoughtful man, And he brought those values in his own personal temperament. The person that he was, he never changed who he was as an elected official. He brought that kind of sensitivity to the work that he did in Washington, in Albany, and around the world. We will miss him. It is a great loss. He was a great public servant. Thank you.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: Miss Shimsky on the resolution.

[Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky]: Thank you very much, mister speaker. I have represented in various ways that little sliver that Elliot Engel represented in Westchester County for a long, long time. And he always showed up. He managed to get to village committee meetings. He managed to go out and have sit downs with village officials to see what their major and their minor issues were. He cared about it all, and he made sure that folks in his office were there for people. I'm sure many of you remember Bill Whites, who is now working for Westchester County and was his Chief of Staff for a long time. If there was something the congressman wanted to keep an eye on, he made sure Bill was deputized to follow through and do it. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, were most of my constituents. He touched a lot of people and he is greatly missed.

[Speaker Carl E. Heastie]: All those in favor? All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed, no. The resolution is adopted.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: We have a number of additional resolutions before the house. Without objection, these resolutions be taken up together on the resolutions. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The resolutions are adopted. Mister Fall.

[Assemblymember Charles D. Fall]: Madam speaker, I now move that the assembly stand adjourned and that we will reconvene at 10AM, Tuesday, April 28, tomorrow being a session day.

[Acting Speaker (female presiding officer)]: On mister Falls' motion, the house stands adjourned.