New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Senator will come to order. Everyone please rise and set the pledge of allegiance. Pledge of allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty

[Secretary of the Senate]: and justice for all.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Rabbi Joshua Rabin of the Astoria Center of Israel in Queens, New York, will deliver today's invocation.

[Rabbi Joshua Rabin]: Thank you. With the commission with the permission of the sorry. With the community's permission, let us pray. Picture a child and a parent on a dangerous journey. The parent carries the child on their shoulders, shielding them from harm. But the child, unaware of who is holding them up, asks, where is my parent? In response, the parent sets the child down, and the child is bitten by a dog. This ancient Midrash, the Jewish word for parable or legend, accompanies the story in Exodus of the Israelites being attacked by a nation known as Amalek just after their liberation from Egypt, which Jews around the world will read this week on what is known as Shabbat Zechor or the Shabbat of memory. It is a story of vulnerability, but it is also a story about awareness, about what happens when we fail to recognize what sustains us. The Torah's command regarding Amalek begins with a single word, vizakarta, and you shall remember. Today, we have no idea who this nation is. The command has not become a literal directive but a moral warning. Amalek represents what emerges when memory and gratitude recede and when we forget how deeply interdependent we truly are. No one thrives alone. Each of us is carried often invisibly by others. The people who prepare our food, maintain our roads, plow our streets, teach our children, care for our sick, keep our communities functioning day after day. They carry us on their shoulders whether we see them or not. What happens when we forget? I am a rabbi who teaches about the lifesaving power of organ donation. When I speak, I ask people to imagine someone who, at first glance, appears to have nothing in common with them. And then I ask them to imagine that years later, they find that that person's final act of generosity saved the life of someone you love. In that moment, distance collapses. We discover what was always true. We need each other even when we choose not to see it. My blessing for you today is this, may you remember. May you remember those whose labor makes the state function. May you remember those who are unseen in the drafting of policy but deeply affected by it. May you remember that power too, rest on shoulders, not always visible. I offer this prayer in the name of my God and with the deepest respect to whomever you pray. And let us say, amen.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, rabbi. Reading of

[Secretary of the Senate]: the journal. In senate, Tuesday, 02/24/2026, the senate met pursuant to adjournment. Journal of Monday, 02/23/2026 was read and approved. A motion to senate adjourn.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Without objection, the general stands approved as read. Presentation of petitions, messages from the assembly, messages from the governor, reports of standing committees, reports of select committees, communications, and reports from state officers motions and resolutions. Senator Gineris.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Good afternoon, mister president.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Good afternoon.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: On behalf of senator Myra, I wish to call up senate print four thirty eight recalled from the assembly, is now at the desk.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Secretary will read. Calendar number 296, senate print four thirty eight, my senator Myra, enactment in the insurance law.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Consider the vote by which the bill was passed.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Secretary will call the roll on record of reconsideration on reconsideration.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Adabo, g n r s Kugar, or Soukud and Zellner. Ayes, 57.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The bill is restored to its place on the third reading calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: I offer the following amendments. Amendments are received. Amendments are also offered to the following third reading calendar bills by senator Mayeri, calendar two zero five, by senator Salazar, calendar two eighty seven.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The amendments are received and the bill will retain its place on the third reading calendar. Senator Gineris.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: And I move to adopt the resolution calendar with the exception of resolutions sixteen thirty and sixteen thirty three.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: All those in favor of adopting resolution calendar with the exception of resolution sixteen thirty and sixteen thirty three, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. The resolution calendar is adopted. Synergy and errors.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Now let's take up resolution sixteen thirty three by senator Webb. Read its title and recognize senator Webb. Secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Resolution sixteen thirty three by senator Webb, memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to be claimed 02/23/2026 as domestic violence awareness and prevention day in the state of New York.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Webb.

[Senator Lea Webb]: Thank you, mister president. I rise and I first want to thank our, senate majority leader for, allowing this resolution to come forward that essentially would direct the governor to proclaim February 23 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day in the state of New York. Every minute, twenty four people in The United States become victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. That is more than twelve million people every year. These are our neighbors, our friends, our coworkers and our loved ones. Domestic violence is a public health crisis and it knows no boundaries. It impacts individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. According to an annual survey conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, New York State consistently has the greatest demand for domestic violence services in the country with more than 10,609 survivors requesting services on just one day in the year of 2024 and more than 1,700 unfulfilled service requests on that same day because of insufficient resources or staff. Domestic violence also knows no age limitation as youth are most certainly impacted by this issue. With a recent survey reporting that in the past year, nearly twenty one percent of high school females and ten point four percent of high school males experienced some form of teen dating violence. Researchers estimate that between three point three million and ten million children are exposed to adult intimate partner violence each year, which increases the risk of, later violence by men. I am proud of the work that we continue to do in this chamber on this very important issue, especially in the area of strengthening funding for this important public health issue. We are doing things to expand, access to safe housing and ensuring that survivors can receive trauma informed counseling services, legal advocacy, and court navigation supports as they work to not only heal their lives, but also to rebuild their lives and those of their family members with dignity. But we know there's more work to do to meet this great need in our communities for these safe lifesaving services. And so I'm honored to be voting in favor of this resolution. I hope my colleagues will join me by voting I. Additionally, mister president, I rise on the occasion of this resolution to welcome distinguished guests to our chamber. I am honored that domestic violence advocates have joined us today. Members may have seen a number of people walking throughout the capital today wearing purple. That is most certainly a cause for the occasion. And I wanna take a moment to lift up all of the work that they do to provide training, technical assistance for local domestic violence programs across our state, working with communities to change our culture into one that doesn't condone violence, that advocates for policies to make sure that survivors across our state are provided with the support they need to be safe and to ultimately heal. And with that, mister president, I ask that you welcome these amazing advocates to our chamber. Thank you.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Webb. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. Please rise and be recognized. The question is on the resolution. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Opposed, nay. The resolution is adopted. Senator Gionnaires.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Now please recognize senator Bailey for an introduction. Senator Bailey.

[Senator Jamaal T. Bailey]: Thank you. President, the rabbi who gave the opening invocation was very inspirational, and he spoke about organ donations. And organ donations are done by physicians, by doctors, people who take the Hippocratic Oath and decide that they, regardless of race, creed, gender, color, identity, whoever comes before them, they will serve them. They will serve them admirably. But sometimes people, if you don't see what looks like you in the medical field, you may not want to go to the doctor. And the artist formerly known as diversity in medicine because of certain things that are happening, now is the Associated Medical Schools of New York Scholars in Medicine and Science. But it does not lessen the necessity for diversity anymore. People in our families do not go to the doctor because they do not trust the medical profession. These scholars are here to make sure that we not only trust the medical profession now, but we entrust you to do it into the future. The world we leave you is in better we leave you to put the world in greater hands than it is now. So I have the honor of introducing you all to a number of scholars, and I'm gonna say your name and I apologize in advance if and when I mess it up. Mhmm. But you are not messing things up, you're making things better. Alexandra Habibi from NYU Grossman. Sofia well, in the senate we're make we're we're gonna hold the applause like we do at the reunion until until everybody's okay. Sofia Manduka from NYU, you may stand, absolutely. Gabriela Gomez from Stony Brook University. John Helm from Stony Brook University. Jessica Shalka from Toro Middletown. Herman Lowe from Stony Brook University, somewhere speaker Hasey is very happy. Stephanie Kanoha Maya from Upstate Medical University. Ashley Moring from SUNY Upstate. Martha Wachakowitz, I'm sorry, from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Kayodeh MacDobin, SUNY Upstate. Mustafa Abdallah, SUNY Upstate. Emma Covion, Upstate Medical University. Saba Solomon, Upstate Medical University. Naim Hussain, SUNY Upstate Medical University. Stevens Bontems, Chima Eze and Brooke D Jones, all from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Yara Abdel Rahman from CUNY City College of New York. Lilosa Imasuen from CCNY. Melissa Rojas from CCNY. Amidala Figueroa, Angelica Vargas, and Levi Vasquez, all from Lehman College in the Boogie Down Bronx. Don't know where it is. Yeah. I'm sorry. You know. God's country. Sebastian Cota from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Daphne Boutron from Fordham University, and the program directors, Sarah Khalil, Enefta Reed, and Victor Garcia from NYU, Stony Brook, and New York Medical College, and Aaron Glass, program director at SUNY Upstate Medical, please stand up. And I just want to as I close and we get on to the rest of business in the session, I just want you to know that this trip that you've made is really important. In the face of people losing health care all around this country, you are that stop gap. You not only can but will provide diversity in medicine and real medicine and those necessary organ donations as we led opened up our session today. Everything happens for a reason, and there was a reason why that was mentioned in there. You should be inspired and steady in the work that you do. I thank you, I salute you. Hopefully, won't have to see you anytime soon for any reasons other than to say hello, but whoever you see will be under incredible care. Mister president, please, would I would like you to extend all of the cordialities in the in the the in the courtesies of this house for these amazing, scholars. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Mayor Billy, to our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. You already rise. You'll now be recognized.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Senator Gineris. Please recognize senator Hinchy for another introduction. Senator Hinchy.

[Senator Michelle Hinchey]: Thank you, mister president. Today, I am incredibly proud to welcome students from the advocacy advocacy club at the Mount Academy in Asopas for their annual lobby day. They've spent the day meeting with elected officials, learning about the legislative process, and asking thoughtful questions and advocating on the issues that matter most to them. These meetings are incredibly important because we deal with a lot of very heavy, very serious topics in this chamber. But we do it, and especially in this chamber, in the Senate usually, with deep respect and understanding for one another. But learning that can take a long time, and it may not come naturally when you care so deeply and passionately about something. So being in the room early, having conversations, learning about respectful dialogue, and meeting people where they are is an incredibly important gift that the Bruderhof offers to their young students in the advocacy club. These students exemplify the values of public service and volunteerism. They've helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity across our Hudson Valley communities. They've used their agriscience skills to care for local athletic fields. They've sewn pillows for patients at Vassar Hospital in Dutchess County. And last summer, several members of the advocacy club traveled to Ukraine to help lead a summer camp, organizing baseball and soccer clinics, teaching English, and bringing a sense of normalcy to kids who have fled the front lines of war. If that doesn't teach you how to be a good, well rounded human, I don't know what will. Their compassion speaks volumes about their character and the service driven leaders that they're becoming, exemplified in their meetings today. With that, I would like to recognize several students who have joined us today in this chamber. You can also stand as I read your name. Alfred Wright, Donna Winter, Eliza Whip, Roderick Huliet, and Sean Huliet, as well as leadership from the Bruderhof community, Johan Huliet and Christine Mason. Thank you all so much for being here, for your participation, and being involved in our state legislative process. Mister president, please give them all of the courtesies of the chamber and welcome them to the senate.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Hinchy. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. Please rise and be recognized. Thank you. Senator Ginares.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Let's move on, mister president. The previously adopted resolution fifteen fifty eight by senator Scarcella Spanton, read its title and call on senator Scarcella Spanton. Secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Resolution fifteen fifty eight by senator Scarcella Spanton, mourning the death of Margaret d Williams, legendary vocalist and community leader.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Scarcellus, ma'am.

[Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton]: Thank you, mister president. It is my honor to stand here as we memorialize an outstanding member of our community, my constituent, miss Margaret d Williams. Miss Williams of Coney Island was a beloved, dedicated community member who has made an immeasurable impact on not just her neighbors, but on people miles and decades apart. Although she left this world in January 2026, her legacy will be felt for years to come. Born in North Carolina, miss Williams moved to Brooklyn as a teenager, becoming actively involved in music programs, nurturing a passion and talent that would define her life. As a young adult in the late 1950s, Ms. Williams joined the renowned girl group, The Cookies, becoming an integral part of one of the most influential vocal groups of the duo and Brill Building eras. As some of you may remember, the Cookies achieved national and international success recording and performing songs written by the legendary songwriters such as Carole King and Jerry Goffin, and collaborating with iconic artists including Neil Sedaka, Mel Torme, Little Eva, and many others. Some of their hits including Chains and Don't Say Nothing reached the top 40 billboard charts in the nineteen sixties, with chains later recorded by the Beatles on their 1963 debut album, further cementing the group's enduring influence on popular music. In recognition of their significant contributions to American music, the Cookies were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. Miss Williams continued to preserve and celebrate the Cookies legacy for decades thereafter, performing in concerts throughout The United States, Europe, and Spain. And after years of touring, she returned to Coney Island where she remained deeply engaged in the community, continuing to sing professionally and as a member of the Coney Island Gospel Assembly Church. Miss Williams was a dedicated public servant, retiring after thirty three years of service with the New York City Department of Health, Prison Health Services, and she was also an active member of DC thirty seven Local fifteen forty nine. She was a cherished participant and supporter of the Coney Island History Project, sharing her personal history and experiences in a 2004 interview and proudly cutting the ribbon to open the Boardwalk Memory Booth in 2005. You could always count on seeing miss Williams at our community events like our annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Coney Island, or whenever I stop by Coney Island Gospel Assembly, and we will certainly miss hearing her sing. Her her life was marked by faith, service, music, and love, and she will be remembered as a trailblazing artist devoted to public and a devoted public servant, a faithful church member, and a pillar of the Coney Island community. My deepest condolences are with her family and all those who knew and loved her. And as we continue celebrating Black History Month, I cannot think of a more fitting time to celebrate her legacy and honor her. Thank you. I proudly bowed eye.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The resolution was adopted on February 10. Senator Gineris.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: And now lastly, resolution sixteen thirty by senator Serrano. Please take that up, read its title, and recognize senator Serrano.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Secretary O'Ree. Resolution sixteen thirty by senator Serrano commemorating the twentieth anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day on 02/25/2026. Got it. Senator Serrano.

[Senator José M. Serrano]: Thank you, mister president. It's, an honor to rise here today to talk about, parks and advocacy Parks Advocacy Day here in Albany. This is the twentieth annual, Parks Day, and it really is one of the best days of the entire year because we have so many parks advocates from throughout the state coming to Albany to talk about why parks are so important. Now, one of the things that is so amazing about parks is that they sort of transcend all types of barriers. They are loved by everyone because they are so meaningful, in everyone's life. During the pandemic, our parks became our our solace. They became our our oasis away from the danger that we were facing, and they really showed, how important they are. And, since then, we've seen year over year growth in visitership, record breaking visitership at our state parks throughout the state of New York, and as well as our public lands like the Adirondacks and the Catskills, DEC lands. All of these are very important. There is also another component that's so, that's so necessary to talk about is that exposure to nature and green spaces has a profound impact on our physical health and mental health. It is really the good medicine that we need right now. In a really crazy world, engaging in nature and parks is something we should all be doing more of. So, so grateful for all of the advocates and, folks from throughout the state and the commissioners who were with us this morning at our parks advocacy briefing and all of the, great things that were done today to help bring awareness to the fact that we should be supporting, our wonderful parks and green spaces throughout the state of New York. And I'm so thankful for my colleagues, supporting this resolution today. Thank you.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you. The question is on the resolution. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. The resolution is adopted. Senator Generis.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Please open today's resolutions for cosponsorships.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Resolutions are open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk. Senator Generis.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Please recognize senator Lanser for an announcement. Senator Lanser.

[Senator Andrew J. Lanza]: There'll be an immediate meeting of the Republican conference in the Republican Conference Room.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Senator De Niros.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Mister president, we will stand at ease until 04:20. I believe this will be a brief conference, so we'll be right back in fifteen minutes.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The senate will stand at ease. The senate will come to order. Senator Generis.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: At this time, mister president, let's take up the reading of the calendar.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Think Calendar number 57, senate front six fifty nine by senator Gennaris, an act of an environmental conservation law. Read

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section two, this act should take effect immediately. Under roll. Dabo, Gennaris Cooper or Sue Cuddens Zellner. Announce the results. Delicious count of 57 voting in negative r, senators Ashby, Barello, Chan, Gallivan, Helmy, Obraka, O'Mara, Ort, Steck, Todisco, and Walzik. Ayes 46, nays 11.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Count of number one zero one, senate print thirty one seventy nine a by senator Sanders, enactment in environment of conservation law. Read the last section. Section three, this action take effect two years after this shall become a law. All the roll. Gabo, G and R Spruger, Ort, Zulka, and Zona.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Announce results.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Announce results. Emergency count of one zero one voting in negative r. Senators Ashby, Barello, Chan, Galvin, Lanza, Oberac, Omera, Ort, Steck, Todisco, Walzik, and Weber. Ayes 45 and ace 12. Bills passed. Counter number one ninety three, senate print forty four twenty four a by senator Ramos, enactment of labor law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: These are the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section five is asked to take effect immediately. Call to roll. Adabo, GNRS Kruger, Ort, Suka, and Zelman.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Senator, I want to explain her vote.

[Senator Jessica Ramos]: Thank you, mister president. You know, there's some really bad bosses out there who have been hiding clauses in job applications and onboarding paperwork that forces workers to give up their legal rights without the worker actually even realizing it. Workers have been facing discrimination, harassment, and even wage theft, thinking that when they're told that they're they've waited too long to sue because of deadlines that are buried in the paperwork that they never knowingly agreed to. And these clauses have historically discouraged workers from coming forward and have allowed stolen wages to go unrecovered and given bad actors an unfair advantage over honest employers. We wanna keep the good guys in business. So this is the fix. This is the anti waiver of employment rights act, and it makes clear that employers cannot force workers to sign away their protections under the New York labor law and the human rights law. Rights cannot be waived in applications. Rights can't be waived in onboarding forms. Rights cannot be waived in hitting contract language. This law does not create new rights, to be clear, but it does protect the rights that workers already have. It's gonna restore balance in the workplace. It ensures accountability, and it supports employers who play by the rules. It's my hope that the assembly also passes this bill so that we can put it on the governor's desk for her signature so that we can make New York an even better place for workers to to stay here. I vote aye. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Santa Ramos will be recorded in the affirmative.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Announce the results. In relation to count of one ninety three vote and a negative are senators Barrella, Chan, Helmy, Lanza, Obraka, Omera, Ort, Columbo, Steck, Todisco, and Walzik. Eyes 46, names 11.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Calendar number 207, senate prince 6227 by senator Martinez, enactment of education law. Read the last section. Section two, this action taken effect on the July 1. Roll the call to roll. Dabo, Junar, Spruver, Ort, Sukad, and Zelner. Announce the results. Ayes, 57. Bills passed. Convil number 233, senate print fourteen sixty one by senator Kavanaugh, enact to amend administrative code of the city Of New York.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section 10 is asked for the effect immediately. Call the roll. Adabo, GNR, Spruger, Ort, Sukad, and Zelner. Announce the results. No. Announce the results. In relation to counter two thirty three voted in a negative are senators Ashby, Morello, Kansas City Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallopin, Helming, Martins, Ventura, Murray, Obrak, O'Meara, Ort Palumbo, Rhodes, Rawson, Scufus, Steck, Todisco, Walzik, and Weber. Eyes thirty seven days 20.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Calendar number 234, center print 3406 by senator Conway. And that, too many executive law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Laid aside.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Calendar number 260 '1, center print forty four zero eight by senator May. And that, too many environment conservation law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bill will be laid aside for the day.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Calendar number 307, senate print 78 by senator Liu. And that to to amend the education law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section two, this action took effect on the ninetieth day and shall become a law. Call to roll. Dabo, genar, Skruger, Ort, Sokut, and Zelner.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Announce results.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Aye 57. Bills passed. Calendar number 318, senate print 6273 a by senator Bailey. Enact authorizing and directing the commissioner of education to conduct study on the number of children who are caregivers.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: I'll read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section three, this action took effect immediately. Call

[Senator Jamaal T. Bailey]: to roll.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Adabo, Junaris Krueger, Ort, Sukat, and Zelner. Announce results. Ayes, 57. Bills passed. Convil number three thirty one, Senate Print twenty six eleven by Senator Adabo. An act to amend the German municipal law. Read the last section. Section two, this action didn't affect immediately. Call to roll. Adabo, Generalis Kruger, Ort, Sukhan, Zelner. Announce the results. In relation to calendar three '31 voting in the negative r senators by no. Krueger, Martinez, and May. Ayes 53 and ayes four.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Calendar number 337, senate print eleven thirty by senator May, enact to amend the executive law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section two, this action taken effect immediately. On the road. Adabo. G and R's Krueger, Ort, Sukadanzana. Announce results. Relations count of three thirty seven voting in a negative are senators Ashley Barrella, Fitzpatrick, Chan, Gallivan, Lanza, Matera, Murray, Palumbo, Rhodes, Ryan, Steck, Todisco, and Wolzik. Ayes 43, names 14.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Number three forty two, center print twenty four forty seven by senator Mayer. And that, too many executive law. Leave the last section. Section two, this action to defect immediately. Call the roll. Pedavo, GNR, Krueger, Ortz, Hsu, Cotton, Zellner. Announced results. In relation to calendar three '42, voting in negative r, senators Ashby, Borrelo, Helmy, Obrecker, O'Mara, Ort, Steck, Walzik, ayes 49, ayes eight.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Calendar number 344, senate print 30 261 by senator Cooney, enactment of tax law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The glass section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section two, this action to correct immediately. Call to roll. Adabo, GNR, Sprugel, Ort, Swilcutt, and Zelner. Blame. Announce results. In relation to calendar, three forty four voting in negative r, Senator Borrella, Kissinger Fitzpatrick Chan, Lanza, Martinez, Martins, Patera. Baino. Murray, O'Mara, Steck, Todisco, Walton, and Weber. Ayes 43, names 14.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Conduit number 346, center press sixty one eighty one by center Parker, enact you in the cannabis law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: We bless section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section two, this action defect immediately. Call to roll. Nadabo, GNR, Spruger, Ort, Swiggut, Zelman. Announce results. In relation to calendar, three forty six vote in a negative are senators Ashby, Barillo, Kansas A. Fitzpatrick, Gallowin, Lanza, Martinez, Martin Spintera, Murray, O'Mara, Ort, Palumbo, Rhodes, Stack, Todisco, Walzik, eyes 41, a 16.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed. Senator Generis, that completes the reading of today's calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Can we move on to the controversial calendar, please? Secretary will ring the bell.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Secretary will read. Calendar number February, senate print thirty four zero six by senator Comrie. And that, to amend the executive law.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Lanza, do you rise?

[Senator Andrew J. Lanza]: Mister president, I believe there's an amendment at the desk. I waive the reading of that amendment and ask that you recognize senator Walzer. Thank

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: you, senator Lanza. Upon review of the amendment in accordance, with rule six section four b, one rule in non germane and out of order.

[Senator Andrew J. Lanza]: Accordingly, mister president, I appeal the ruling of the chair and ask that senator Waldzik be heard on that appeal.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The appeal has been made and recognized. Senator Waldzik may be heard.

[Senator Mark Walczyk]: Thank you for the opportunity, mister president. And maybe I can convince some colleagues to overrule the chair here. This amendment is indeed germane to the bill in chief because the bill in chief deals with the state uniform fire prevention and building code, and the amendment deals with the state energy code, both affecting the price of building in New York State. This amendment modeled from legislation sponsored by senator Mario Meterra would repeal the costly all electric buildings mandate and would allow building developers to use the 2020 energy code instead of the more costly and newly enacted twenty twenty five energy code. As everyone knows, the all electric building mandate is currently tied up in the courts. The governor agreed to pause implementation of the costly mandate temporarily while the case plays out in court. No doubt because this is 2026 and it's an election year. Developers have estimated that the all electric building mandate will increase the cost of a tip typical single family home in New York by $20,000 at the low end. Some say much higher than that. On top of the additional $20,000 in cost to comply with the all electric building mandate, The 2025 energy code will increase the cost of construction for a single family home in New York by $7,400. And that's NYSERDA's cost analysis again on the low end. I think everyone in this chamber would agree that New York State is in the middle of a housing affordability crisis. I've heard it from both sides of the aisle. Builders can't sell overpriced houses that people don't want to buy in the first place. It already costs between $203,150 dollars per square foot to build a new home in this state, way above the national average. The 2025 energy code, which includes the all electric buildings mandate, would only increase the cost of building homes, further putting the dream of homeownership out of reach for so many New Yorkers. This amendment that I offer up today allows this chamber to take a real and meaningful step towards lowering the cost of homes in this state. Builders need to know that we're providing regulatory certainty and cost effective solutions. The average first time homebuyer is now over 40 years old. CNY Builder recently told me at a roundtable that new that new homes in New York are a luxury item. If that's true, you've made too many mistakes in this chamber, and I ask that you enjoy you join me in fixing just a couple of those egregious mistakes that have been made recently. Vote to overrule the chair, pass this amendment, and please allow New Yorkers to have the dream of owning an affordable home in New York State in the future. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator. I wanna remind the house that the vote is on the procedures of the house and the ruling of the chair. Those in favor of overruling the chair signify by saying I.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Aye. Show of hands. A show of

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: hands has been requested and so ordered.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Announce the results. I just want it.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The ruling of the chair stands in the bill in chief is before the house. Senator Generes.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: We've, agreed to restore this bill to the noncontroversial calendar.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Section two of this action shall take effect on the January 1. Call to roll. Adabo, junior speaker Ortzu Kunzalmi. Announce results. In relation to calendar two thirty four voting in negative are senators Ashby, Pirello, Chan, Gallivan, Lanza, Obraka, Omera, Ort, Steck, Todisco, and Warzick. Odds 46 and age 11.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Bills passed. San Gineres, that completes the reading of the controversial calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Mister president, at this time, there's a privilege resolution at the desk. Let's take that up. Please read its title and recognize first senator mayor on that resolution.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Resolution sixteen thirty seven by senator mayor. Concurrent resolution of the senate assembly providing for the election of two regions of the University of the State of New York.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Senator Mayor on the resolution.

[Senator Shelley B. Mayer]: Thank you, mister president. It's my honor again to rise in support of this concurrent resolution of the senate assembly to appoint and reappoint members to the board of regents. For everyone's edification, not those here because I think they know about the board of regents, but people frequently confuse the regents exam with the board of regents, and that's a very understandable confusion. But people should understand that the board of regents are people appointed by the senate and assembly jointly to help drive educational policy in New York State, not only through kindergarten through twelfth grade, but for higher ed, for the professions, and for many other aspects of regulated life, dealing with educational issues. The board of regents meets regularly. They consider issues of highest importance to those of us who care about education, And today, we are lucky and very fortunate to be appointing and reappointing two distinguished members. First, I wanna say from the 5th Judicial District, Patrick Mannion, to be reappointed to the board of regents. And I would just say, as someone who, heard his testimony and listened in the interviews the first time and then as he came back for reappointment, what was striking is that mister Manion, who is not someone who came from sort of the educational world, made a commitment at that time that he was going to visit schools, learn about education in his community, and become a true advocate for the schools and the students of the 5th Judicial District. And he has actually done so. And it was extremely impressive to hear in the interviews that senator Staviski and I sat through with many of our colleagues to hear how much interest he took in the schools and the issues that were before the board of regents. He did everything one could ask of someone who was not entirely versed in education to do, and I'm very pleased to have him reappointed to the 5th Judicial District seat. And then for the at large seat, we are appointing today Janice Weinman Shorenstein who is joining us today in the gallery. And miss Shorenstein has been a transformational leader in the educational space, currently, running a program called education through music, which brings music and art to students in the New York City public schools. But she has a long time history of, participation in schools in the New York City community. She has been was the president of what's called Kids, a global not for profit organization, that distributed new product to children and families in need throughout The United States and throughout the world. She's worked in corporate, affairs for Mount Sinai and for other major not for profit institutions in New York. And she truly will bring her wealth of experience and her perspective and her intimate knowledge of the New York City public school community to the board of regents, where as the largest school district in the country, we need her expertise, her enthusiasm, and her willingness to participate. Again, people who join the board of regents do so and put their not only their time and their energy, but all of their intellect and energy into improving our educational system. We're very fortunate to have Patrick Mannion and Janice Weinman Schorenstein be elected to and joining the board of regents. I vote aye and encourage all my colleagues to do the same.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator mayor. Senator Savicki, on the resolution.

[Senator Toby Ann Stavisky]: Mister president, on the resolution, As senator mayor indicated, the selection of the regents and their mission is unique, and has a a long tradition of service. In fact, the origins go back two hundred and forty two years. And if you understand that this body and the assembly have met for two hundred and forty two years, and each year or almost every year, there's a vacancy and they go through this process, of selecting regions. Regions in New York State have a unique mission. Their selection is very different. They set the education policy, and they also select the commissioner of education. In some states, they the commissioner of education is elected by the in a in an election. In other states, the governor appoints the commissioner. But New York State is unique. We, the regents, choose the commissioner. And the other point I wanna make is that they are joining a long, long list of people who have gone through this process and served as a regent. And in fact, two of the first regents, one one was assembly member Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, the first chief judge, and Teddy Roosevelt, bipartisan. He served as a regent. So, I welcome the selection, and I congratulate, mister Manion and miss Shorenstein, and they should understand that they are joining a very select group, and I know that their service will be commendable and, just fitting in with the tradition set by, Alexander Hamilton. They're gonna be in the room where it happens. Thank you.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Stavitsky. Senator Barello on the resolution.

[Senator George M. Borrello]: Thank you, mister president. I think, senator Stavitsky, outlined the importance of this role very well, which is why as an employer myself, someone who was who's a private sector employer and a county executive who has hired and fired literally hundreds of people in my career, I've never done so in ten minutes or less, which is what we've been asked to do here today. Literally, we we got this resume, and that's all we have is a resume, to make a decision on folks that are gonna have an impact on every single child that is educated in New York State. I can in good conscience do that with such little time. And I would encourage my colleagues who, other than I'm sure the very capable senators who reviewed and interviewed them, have not had the chance to vet these folks properly for one of the most important jobs in New York State. So I'll be voting no. And those of you that weren't in the interviews, I would suggest vote no as well. Nothing not against nothing against the folks that are here, but due diligence is very important. So I'll be voting no. Thank you.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you, senator Borrelo. Senator Murray on the resolution.

[Senator Dean Murray]: Mister president, yes, I know a broken record. Here we go again. He's getting up and complaining about the system. But think about it. We voted on multiple resolutions today individually, all on important very important issues. We took up 14 individual bills. We didn't do them as a bunch. Why? Because each one is important on its own merits. You heard the senators explain why it's so important, the job that they do, the effect that they will have on this state, on our future, because they'll have an effect on literally millions of New York children. And yet instead of voting on them each individually, it's up or down, both of them, yes or no. But what if we have a problem with one of them? What if we don't think one is stellar? Oh, well. Let the kids suffer. Oh, well. You're right. We're in the room where it happens, but it should be happening properly. We should be doing it the right way. If they're that good, let's vote on them individually on their own merit. For that reason, I'll be a no. Thank you.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Thank you. The substitution at the desk, the secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Senator Mayor and Subiski move to substitute senate concurrent resolution sixteen thirty seven for the identical assembly resolution nine seventy eight.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Substitution, so ordered. The secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Assembly resolution nine seventy eight by assembly member Benedetto. Concurrent resolution of the senate assembly provided for the election of two regions of the University of the State of New York.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The question is on the resolution. Secretary will call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate]: Adabo Junar Skruger or Sukhan Zona. Announce results. In relation to the resolution voting in negative r, senators Ashby, Borrelo, Brisport, Kansas City Fitzpatrick Chan, Gallivan, Gonzales, Lanza, Murray, Ort, Palumbo, Rhodes, Salazar, Steck, and Walzik. Ayes 42, and eight fifteen.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: The resolution is adopted. Sergeant Gionnaires.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Mister president, I would like to remind, the members of the majority conference that we will be having a, conference immediately after session. And with that, is there any further business at the desk?

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: There's no further business at the desk.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, February 26 at 11AM.

[Acting President (Presiding Officer)]: Motion. The senate stands adjourned till Thursday, February 26 at 11AM.