New York State SmartTranscripts:

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The senate will come to order. I ask everyone to please rise and recite the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America, and to the republic for which it stands, The Reverend Doctor. Darren M. Morton of Macedonia Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York will deliver today's invocation.

[Rev. Dr. Darren M. Morton]: Let us all pray. Father God, we come, we thank you for this day. We thank you for everything that you have done and everything that you will do in our lives. We thank you, god, for the new mercies of each and every day. God, we thank you for this here this senate. We ask now, god, that you will bless each and everyone who transacts business on behalf of the New York State residents. God, we ask that you bless not only the chambers, but you bless each individual and bless their constituents. God, that we will always continue to do what is the responsibility of public servants, and that is to serve your people to the best of our ability that we may invoke all of the kindness and the love, but most of all, that God that we may provide the proper service to those people whom you have put underneath the charge of these your leaders. This we ask in thy precious name. Amen. A

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: reading of the journal.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: In senate, Tuesday, 03/17/2026, the senate in pursuant to adjournment. The journal of Monday, 03/16/2026 is read

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: and approved. A motion to senate adjourn. Without objection, the journal 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 Gionnaires.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Good afternoon, mister president. On behalf of senator Kavanaugh, I wish to call up senator print twelve thirty nine e recall from the assembly, which is now with the desk.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Secretary Will Reed. Calendar number 213, senate print twelve thirty nine e by senator Kavanaugh, an act to amend the agriculture and markets law.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Move to reconsider the vote by which the bill was passed.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Secretary will now call the roll on reconsideration.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabo, Junars Kruger, Ortz, Wukund, Zoner, I 60. The bill is restored to its place in the third reading calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: I offer the following amendments to make it an f print. The amendments are received. Please recognize senator Webb for an introduction.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Webb for an introduction.

[Senator Lea Webb]: Thank you, mister president. I rise as the, chair of the women's Issue Committee in the senate, and I have the distinct honor and pleasure of recognizing our twenty twenty six honorees for the New York State Legislative Women's Caucus as part of our Women's History Month continued commemoration. Women's History Month is more than a time to reflect on the past. It is a moment to recognize the living, breathing legacy of women whose leadership continues to shape our communities every single day across our great state. In New York, that legacy runs very deep from the early organizers of the suffrage movement who gathered in our state to demand a voice in democracy to trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, Constance Baker Motley, Ida Samus, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, our history is filled with women who refused to accept the limits that society tried to place on them. They challenged the status quo. They broke barriers often that were glass and most certainly, in most cases, brick ceilings. They transformed institutions that once excluded them. The story of women's history is not confined to textbooks or monuments. It is unfolding right now in classrooms, hospitals, courtrooms, small businesses, community organizations, and most certainly in chambers like this one. Across New York, women are leading in many spaces, advocating for communities that quite often go unheard. The women we honor today represent that same spirit. They are educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community builders. They are unstoppable leaders whose dedication, it represents the best of us because they are committed to improving the lives of people across our state. Their work reminds us that progress is never inevitable. It is built step by step by people who choose to speak out and move their communities forward. Honoring these great leaders that are here today, it is important to not only recognize them, but it is also an opportunity we have to ensure that the next generation sees what leadership looks like for women and girls across New York understand that their voices belong in every room where decisions are made. Here in the New York State Senate, we have worked to carry that responsibility forward by advancing policies that strengthen women's health care, promote economic opportunity, support families, and protect the fundamental right to live and work free from discrimination. And so today, as we celebrate and honor women who have already made an incredible impact, we wanna thank all of our honorees for the example that you set, the differences that you make in our communities across this great state, not just this month, but in every month we celebrate you. And so I'm pleased to be joined by my honoree, miss Phoebe Brown, who served as eight years as the Central New York coordinator for the Alliance for of Families for Justice, supporting families impacted by incarceration, and advocating for reform of our criminal justice system. She has committed her life to public service, and she reflects not only her commitment to those who are most vulnerable, but she is someone that makes Senate District 52 proud. And she is also joined by many other incredible women from across this great state that my colleagues have chosen as their respective honorees. And their names are Alyssa Montani, Candace Aguirre Holly, mayor Sharon Owens, Nicola Armcost, Denise Alivo, doctor May Edward Chin, Lorraine Stevens, Stacy Mirva, Randy Schubin Dressner, Stacy Pettigrew, Manna Jo Green, Kim Smith, and doctor April Aycock. And there are many other honorees as well. These are lifelong advocates, educators, elected whose contributions are truly what make us better. To all of our honorees, we want you to know that what you do every single day brings us great pride, and we thank you for all you have done and what you will continue to do. I also want to thank our senate majority leader, senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, and of course, New York state women's legislative women's caucus chair for not only elevating this year's honorees, but also once again commemorating this important month this year and for many more years to come to come. I proudly vote I and also ask, for our great, leader to acknowledge all of our honorees here in the chamber today and extend them the privileges of the house. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Webb. Senator Giannares.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Now please recognize senator Helming for more remarks from the minority.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Helming for an introduction and remarks.

[Senator Pamela A. Helming]: Thank you, mister president. As senator Webb shared earlier today, we many of us had the opportunity to take part in a truly inspiring legislative women's caucus, women's history month celebration. One of the highlights of today was this afternoon's luncheon celebration where we heard about the remarkable stories from women from all across the state of New York. These women, as senator Webb said, were business owners, educators, health care providers, public servants, passionate advocates. They were mothers and grandmothers, women whose talents, dedication, and leadership are making our communities, making our state, and our entire nation so much stronger. Each story we heard today was very unique, but I found that there was a common thread. That was resilience, determination, and a willing to lead, to not let anything stand in your way. First thing this morning, we had the opportunity to meet with Governor Hochul, and she talked about New York State being at the center of the women's rights movement. Well, if New York State is a center, the Heart is a Finger Lakes region, a region that I am so proud to represent and is widely known as the birthplace of the women's rights movement. And my honoree is from the Finger Lakes region and the birthplace of the women's rights movement. She's here today, Stacy Mirva. Her husband Tom is also here with her. I'm so proud to be able to honor Stacy in this way. Stacy is a welder, a metal sculptor, and a small business owner. She owns Ironwood Studios in Livingston County. She has built an incredibly successful career in a field that's long been dominated by men. She's not only breaking barriers, but she's helping so many others to do the same. Stacy's metal art Stacy's metal work is on display throughout the Finger Lakes region. I had the opportunity to be at one of her unveilings of sculptures in the village of Churchville. I was particularly moved by a piece that paid tribute to suffragette Francis Willard. Frances believed that when women gain independence and opportunity, our communities grow stronger. That message still resonates very strong today, and it's one of the reasons why I selected Stacy. Through her welding workshops. Stacy teaches women of all ages, military veterans and individuals rebuilding their lives to find the spark within themselves to discover strength, confidence and new possibilities. Stacy is not just shaping metal, she is helping shape the future of so many. I just want to take a moment to to recognize Heather Farrell. She's the deputy director of planning for Livingston County. She was nominated by Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey. I appreciate the tremendous work that Heather is doing to protect and preserve the Finger Lakes region. Each of the women recognized today represents the very best of our state. And today, to all of our honorees and to the women across our street who everyday lead, serve, and lift up others, you have our deepest respect and our sincere appreciation. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator helping Helming. To our women honorees, we welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of the house. Please rise and be recognized. Senator Gianaris.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: We recognize, Mason, Kevin Parker for an introduction.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: And Senator Parker for an introduction.

[Senator Kevin S. Parker]: Thank you, mister president. Many of you know me as state senator Kevin Parker who represents the 21st District in Brooklyn, the chair of the energy and telecommunications committee, the senior assistant majority leader of the New York State Senate. But in my life outside of here, in the most virtual Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the state of New York, I hold several other titles. And and today, it's Prince Hall Day. And so I'm also known as past master of Sons of Kings Lodge number one twenty three, current worthy patron of Sunshine chapter number thirty four. I am the illustrious potentate of Abu Bakr Temple Number 91, as well as the captain of the guard in Mystic Tide Council number eight of Royal and Select Masters, as well as the king in the Holy World Arch Masons of the state of New York, Mount Moriah chapter number three, as well as being a member of Deborah Chapter and Heroines of Jericho and Mystic Tide chapter number three in the ladies of the circle of perfection. And so in that world, I have been elevated to have an opportunity to work with a group of people who are really amazing, and oftentimes unsung. There is a mythology about Masonry, generally about it being a secret society. And it's not really a secret society. We have shirts and hats that says we're Masons. But it is a society of secrets. And when you want to understand what Masonry is, what we say it is is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. But at base, it's a fraternity and sorority and a charity. It is a group of people who have gotten together in the cause of mutual aid to support one another in their daily trials and tribulations. And they lift as they climb by doing all sorts of charity work. Probably the biggest thing that you've seen Masonic communities do is probably the Shriners Hospital. Everybody's familiar with it, right? So even though that's on the on the shrine side, it's it is all those folks are are are Masons as well. But I'm a member of of the most worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the state of New York where I'm also the chair of the Civic Action Committee. And today, we're having Prince Hall Day, and so we have members of the Prince Hall Society here. And before I introduce them, quickly wanna tell you who Prince Hall was. Prince Hall was a man who was born in enslavement in Boston and got his freedom and became an abolitionist. And he was trying to work to free other people of African descent in Boston, in the mid 1700s, right, before the American Revolution. And what he found was that a lot of the people who were in charge at that time were Masons. So he sought to be a Mason to come into common cause and to get into connection with these important people. And at that time, they would not make somebody of African descent a Mason. And so he finally found a an Irish military lodge that on Shelley, you'll like this date. On 03/06/1775, which is actually me and senator Sheddu Mayo's birthday. Well not 1775, a little bit after that. But on March 6, him and and 14 others that we now lovingly refer to as the mortal 15 were initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of master Mason. And after a conference of issues, of things that kind of went on, they became African Lodge number one, and then later on become African Lodge number four fifty nine. And Prince Hall becomes the patron saint of that sect of Masons. And now you find Masonic Prince Hall Masonic Lodge Lodges all over the world. And here in New York State, we have a very prominent group of people. And I'd like to ask all of the Prince Hall Masons and the members of the Eastern Stars to please rise and be recognized. And here with us today is the most worshipful grandmaster, Doctor. Darren M. Morton, who is the conservator of Prince Hall Masonry. We have the deputy grandmaster, brother Gene Apollon, brother Sandino Sanchez, is the junior grand warden. We have brother Grant Valentine, who is the grand worthy patron. And last but certainly not least, our grand worthy matron, sister Marsha Mac. And I wanna thank them for being here. I wanna thank them for taking the time and not seeing a robbery to be engaged, again, in in the communities around the state. There's probably very few districts represented in this room that does not have a Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, and if not, a Prince Hall, a Grand Lodge of the State of New York Lodge. We have a number of people in this chamber who are members of of Prince Hall, including senator Lee Ray Comrie. Well, Senator Natalia Fernandez was looking for her, who's been with us today. And I really am thankful for this body and for their openness as we've done this to take meetings, have conversations with their constituents about some of these issues. The things that that the members of the Order of the Eastern Star and and the members of the craft are talking about are the same day to day bread and butter issues that we're concerned about. Right? Affordability. We have a number of vets in this organization and providing services for them. Making sure that civil rights are held up. Making sure that we have affordable housing and accessible health care. And so we work in common cause and this work must continue as another important group that does this work today. And so thank you for the recognition, and thank for us for, this opportunity to be recognized by the New York State Senate.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Parker. 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.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Senator Gioneris. Mister president, please take up previously adopted resolution seventeen thirty four by senator Hinchy, have its title read, and call on senator Hinchy.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Secretary Will Reed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Resolution seventeen thirty four by senator Hinchy, memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026 as agriculture week in the state of New York.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Hinchy on the resolution.

[Senator Michelle Hinchey]: No farms, no food, mister president. When folks think about agriculture, they often picture tractors and rural areas. But what agriculture is, is our food supply. That makes New York agriculture one of the most important things that we have a responsibility to protect and support. We have over 30,000 family farms that generate nearly $90,000,000,000 in economic impact. Our farms grow and produce what's called the full plate, fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy. And we lead the entire Northeast in production for many products. For instance, we are number one in yogurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese. We are number two in maple syrup, apples, and cabbage. And we're number three in grapes, snap beans, and squash, up from fourth just last year. And thanks to state funding in ag research and technology, New York's dairy cows out produced those in Pennsylvania and Vermont by more than 500 gallons of milk per year. That's attracted major economic investment into our state from global dairy brands, including Chobani, Fairlife, and others. To quote our commissioner of ag and markets, I'm incredibly excited about the future of New York agriculture. These are remarkable accomplishments, but they again don't come close to capturing what agriculture actually is. It's one of humanity's most enduring and personal traditions. The act of tending to the earth to feed your family and your neighbors, which is not something you can measure in market share. It's something that you feel in the weight of growing something from nothing, and the pride of passing that craft to the next generation to those who will pick

[Senator Pamela A. Helming]: up the

[Senator Michelle Hinchey]: mantle. This legislative body understands that, and I'm incredibly proud of the work that we're doing to fight for our farmers to expand access to food across New York State. For instance, we are working to expand farm to school so that students can eat fresh, healthy food while expanding a critical market for our farmers. We're working to create the first ever farm weather resiliency grants so that farmers can have a lifeline to recover losses from severe weather. We're pushing for clear use by food labeling dates so that more food reaches people's plates and less food ends up in the landfills. And we're working to increase support for vital programs like Nourish New York and Double Up Food Bucks, which have supported our farmers and have made sure that people across our state, regardless of where they live or what their means may be, can eat locally sourced healthy food. And we've partnered with the SUNY chancellor John King to launch the first SUNY AgriTech Center to spark interest in Ag careers for students all over the state and to expand access to cutting edge training that will keep New York agriculture strong for generations to come. In New York, we know that if we do right by our farmers, we protect a stable local food supply, as well as businesses that care about the communities in which they operate. I want to thank all of my colleagues for joining me and standing up for New York agriculture, which supports all of our communities. Thank you, mister president, and happy agriculture week.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Hinchy. The resolution was adopted on March 17. Senator Gionnaires.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Next up, mister president, as previously adopted, resolution seventeen twenty five by senator Liu, please read that resolution's title and recognize senator Liu. The secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Resolution seventeen twenty five by senator Liu, memorializing governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 03/23/2026 as Pakistan American Heritage Day in the state of New York.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Liu on the resolution.

[Senator John C. Liu]: Thank you, mister president. I'm so delighted and honored to stand today to talk about a community that has made New York State the greatest state in the universe. We often talk about how, our diversity makes us strong, and part of that diversity is a community, a very proud and successful community, a hardworking community with ethics and professionalism, and that is the Pakistani American community, which for not necessarily a new immigrant community, but now for generations. In fact, it's been said that on average, we are in the second generation of Pakistani Americans who first immigrated here several decades ago and have made America and indeed our state of New York their home, setting up small businesses and now large businesses as well, professional practices, excelling in our public schools, creating places of worship, and cultural celebrations. The Pakistani American community has contributed so much to the state of New York. And we honor the community on March 23, designating it the Pakistani American day in the state of New York. I'm so proud to present this resolution for all of my colleagues to consider, And especially proud that we are joined today by the, the very prolific organization that advocates for the community, the American Pakistani Advocacy Group. They are in the gallery. Welcome. Don't don't stand yet because the president's gonna ask you to stand. They are led by, our brother, our friend, Ali Rashid, who is here on the floor with us. And he is joined by his excellency, none other than Rizwan Syed Sheikh, the ambassador Pakistani ambassador to The United States, as well as Amar Ahmed Atozai, the consul general of the of Pakistan here in New York. It is with great pride that I present all these individuals and recognize the illustrious Pakistani American community, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Liu. Senator Stavitsky on the resolution.

[Senator Toby Ann Stavisky]: Yes. Thank you, mister president. And I too am honored to represent so many people from the South Asian community and especially from Pakistan. We are celebrating with you on March 23. Welcome to the, ambassador and to Rashid Ali and the people the folks, our friends, and neighbors from the advocacy group. I was intrigued by your mission statement. The three e's, engage, empower, and elevate. And that is a message not just for the Pakistani American community, but for everybody, to engage in the community, to participate, to be leaders in all of the, fields that senator Liu has mentioned, the STEM, the teaching, education, etcetera. We are proud to have you here. And, mister president, I know you will extend the welcome that they so richly deserve. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator. Senator Comrie on the resolution.

[Senator Leroy G. Comrie]: Mister president, today I rise to recognize and celebrate Pakistani Pakistani Day, a date it makes the historic Lahore resolution that marks the historic Lahore resolution which laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan. Pakistan Day commemorates the enduring aspirations of people for self determination, democratic governments, and national identity. It is a moment not only of historical reflection, but of pride in the resilience, culture, and contributions of Pakistani people around the globe. Here in New York, particularly in Southeast Queens and throughout the state, we are proud to be home to a vibrant and growing Pakistani American community. Contributions of the community enrich our neighborhoods in countless way. Through small business that power our local economy, through active civic engagement that strengthens our democracy, and through cultural traditions that add to the rich tapestry of our state. In Senate District 14, I've had the privilege of working alongside many leaders, including Rashid Ali who's here today, and other members of the Pakistani community to develop a strong community, whether in education, health care, public service, or the arts, their impact is both meaningful and lasting. As the Pakistani community continues to grow in my district, we wanna make sure that whatever they're doing and however they wanna contribute, we give them that opportunity for respect, for recognition, and for, an enduring presence in our community. I want to thank the ambassador for coming today as well, to to celebrate with Pakistanis throughout the state, and I want to remind all of our, colleagues that we need to make sure that as we recognize in the Pakistani community their tradition, their their opportunities, and their desires that we can continue to do that for all of the residents of New York State, that we can continue to allow this state to be what it was meant to be originally, a state that has diversity, acceptance, and an opportunity for all people to become great residents of New York State. Thank you, mister president, for the opportunity to celebrate Pakistan. Thank you, senator Liu, for the opportunity to bring this resolution and this annual day forward. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator. Senator Ramos on the resolution.

[Senator Jessica Ramos]: Thank you, mister president. What kind of queen state senator would I be if I too did not rise to celebrate my Pakistani neighbors in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst Elmhurst and Corona? I mean, the contributions from our Pakistani neighbors have been endless, countless for decades. And I am very thankful for all of their support in making our community vibrant. We have delicious Pakistani restaurants that everyone should enjoy, whether it's Dara restaurant, Kebab King, and I could stand here all day. But most of all, we know that as Ramadan is coming to a close, we wanna we wanna also recognize all of the efforts of our immigrant generation of Pakistanis and of course their children and grandchildren who are quickly becoming professionals, outstanding citizens, who just add, to the vibrancy of our community every day. So even though Independence Day is in August, today we want to recognize our Pakistani neighbors and wish them the very best as they continue to make New York a better place. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator. Senator Martins on the resolution.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Thank you, mister president. I too rise to support the resolution. New York is a better place because of the Pakistani community in our in our state. As Isaac can attest in the 7th Senate District, vibrant community, hardworking, civically engaged, and certainly when it comes to the three e's, as senator Staviski said, to engage, to elevate, and to empower. They are reflective of the efforts of the community, and we see it each and every day. So, thank you to senator Liu, for sponsoring the resolution And, to our Pakistani friends here and across New York state, thank you for all you do to make this state, all that it is. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator. 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 resolution was adopted on March 17. Senator Gineris.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Mister president, please call on senator Rhodes for an introduction.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Rhodes for an introduction.

[Senator Steven D. Rhoads]: Thank you, senator Generis, thank you, mister president. So my first visit to our lovely state capital was actually forty four years ago when as a seventh grader in junior high school, I came up to to lobby for for additional state aid to education. Our then state assemblyman, Fred Perola, and our then state senator Norman Levy, whose seat I am now honored to, to hold. And it is a, it's always a special treat when we have students, young bright minds coming up, from Long Island to come visit us, and I want to, to recognize one such group today. We are proud to welcome, to the senate chamber some of New York's shining stars visiting us today from the Merkaz Academy, opening stores in the Plainview Old Bethpage community, which I am proud to represent with senator Jack Martins. The Merkaz Academy provides preschool through sixth grade students a foundation in Judaic and secular studies, emphasizing personal growth in an intimate and innovative environment, cultivating tomorrow's leaders through building character and reinforcing values in an inclusive, warm, and supportive atmosphere. Back in November, I had the chance to visit with their principal, Rabbi Kalman Fogle, who is with us today, and president Jeffrey Lichtman, as well as a group of about fifty third through sixth grade students talking about public service, the role of state government in the lives of New York families, our efforts to confront and combat growing antisemitism across our state. And this was followed by a question and answer session where I was grilled by some of the most thoughtful and intuitive questions that I've ever had. Certainly, maybe than in in any endorsement interview. I can tell you I can tell you that. They were great. And since the the timing of my visit coincided with election day, I met with their student council candidates, discussed campaigns, messaging, and strategy, and I am pleased to report that in spite of my insights, some of those candidates actually won their races and have joined us in the gallery today along with the group from Mercat's Academy. And so I want to, to introduce, their student council president, Rami Kirschenbaum vice president, Jason Glasser treasurer, Yair Weissman their secretary Myra Blackman, as well as Sayira Baradarian, Eliana Binamon, Noah Blackman, Talia Blackman, Evan Dahan, Sarah Eskajian, Rafael Hakim, Kirsch, Eliana Kirsch, Aaron Najathiam, Evelyn Shyamalov, Leora Sternbach, and their chaperones for today in addition to rabbi Fogle, Jenny DeMeo, Javi Kirsch, Shamuela Sternbach, and Ira Glasser, who are with us in the gallery. Mister president, I would ask that you welcome them to the chamber on madam president, I see we've had a change. Madam president, I would ask that you welcome them to the chamber on behalf of the senate, and please extend to them all of the privileges and courtesies of the house.

[Acting President of the Senate (female, unidentified)]: Thank you. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house. Please rise and be recognized. Senator Generis.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Madam president, let's take up previously adopted resolution 17 o two by senator Cooney. Please read its title and recognize senator Cooney.

[Acting President of the Senate (female, unidentified)]: Secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Resolution seventeen zero two by senator Cooney commemorating the one hundred seventy fifth anniversary of Albany Law School.

[Acting President of the Senate (female, unidentified)]: Senator Cooney on the resolution.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, madam president. It is truly my honor and privilege today to recognize the hundred and seventy fifth anniversary of Albany Law School, a nationally renowned institution that I am so very proud to call my alma mater. Today, we are joined in the chamber by president and dean Cinnaman Carlarne, Pat Wiles, director of the Government Law Center, and Andrew Jensen, a second year law student. Since 1851, Albany Law School has trained the leaders of tomorrow in the shadow of our great state capital, giving law students the opportunity to learn and grow in the heart of our state's political center. When I was a first year law student, I worked in the governor's counsel's office, interestingly enough, on transportation policy.

[Senator Jeremy A. Cooney]: It's no surprise that Albany Law was recently named the best law school in the nation for public service by Pre Law Magazine, an honor that is a testament to the strong tradition of excellence that Albany Law promotes. Over half of Albany Law School's graduates go into public service. Many of our great lawyers and leaders in state government reflect this recognition. The law school has always led with a dedication toward legal scholarship, strong New York practice, and a commitment to justice. Many of our staff members are graduates, including our talented council staff who is here on the floor with me, Alejandro Polino, the secretary of the senate, and her counsel, Jalissa Joseph. As we reflect on our past, it's important to also look to the future and the commitment of Albany Law School to preparing the next generation of leaders, advocates, and change makers. So to every alum, current and future student, and to the faculty and staff, say congratulations. Madam president, I vote aye.

[Acting President of the Senate (female, unidentified)]: Thank you. Senator Fahey on the resolution.

[Senator Patricia A. Fahy]: Thank you. Thank you, madam president. I want to join senator Cooney. While he is a graduate, I am not. I am a proud representative of the college and want to join in all of the accolades. So many of my constituents, so many friends, our former our recent, mayor, former mayor Kathy Sheehan, and so many others have been wonderful advocates, or sorry, wonderful graduates from the law school, and it is quite extraordinary to think that they've reached one hundred and seventy five years as the oldest independent law school in the nation and to think it's right here in Albany. So just want to share my enthusiasm and support, and, thank you, senator, for bringing this and, bringing our dean and, student here. It is really important at a time when we are turning to our courts more and more, especially in the last plus year where so much is being litigated right now. It is something we value more than ever and, again, a true welcome to those who will carry Albany law into the next hundred years. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (female, unidentified)]: Thank you. To our guests, I welcome you on behalf of the senate. We extend to you the privileges and courtesies of this house. Congratulations in a hundred and seventy five years. Please rise and be recognized. The resolution was adopted on March 10. Senator Generis.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: The sponsors of today's resolutions would like to open them for cosponsorship.

[Acting President of the Senate (female, unidentified)]: The resolutions are open for cosponsorship. Should you choose not to be a cosponsor, please notify the desk. Senator Generis.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Please take up the reading of the calendar.

[Acting President of the Senate (female, unidentified)]: The secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number one fifty nine, senate print one nineteen by senator Claire, to amend the Emergency Tenant Protection Act.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: They will be laid aside.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Candidate number two eighteen, senate print thirty eight twenty b by senator Rivera, enact 20 insurance law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section four, this action took effect immediately.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabble with G and R Cooper or Stuart Cuddens Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results. Aye, 61. The bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Counter number 402, Senate Print twenty two eighty nine by Senator Bailey, enactment of private housing finance law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this action will be effect immediately.

[Senator Robert Jackson]: Call to roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabble, GNRS Kruger, Ort, Stewart Cuddens, Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results. Aye 61. The bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Accountant number 407, senate print 70 48 by senator Webb, enactment of public health law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this action will defect immediately.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabble. Genarz Kruger, Ort, Zuerlkut, Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Webb to explain her vote.

[Senator Lea Webb]: Thank you, mister president. I'm very proud of the work we've been doing in the, women's issues committee, and this bill is a continuation with those efforts, especially when we talk about the very real challenges around maternal health and the crisis that maternal health is in in our state. One of our many goals is to reduce the number of health care deserts impacting families across our state, especially in rural districts like mine. Access to quality maternity care is essential if we want to reduce bad outcomes related to pregnancy and eliminate health disparities that disproportionately impact communities of color and rural communities. Mister president, since 2008, 28 hospitals across the state have closed or reduced, OBGYN care. And as of 2022, more than four percent of women in New York did not have a birthing hospital within thirty minutes of their homes. And in rural districts such as mine, the data reveals an even more dangerous picture with forty seven percent of women living more than thirty minutes away from a birthing center. These are very troubling statistics for women in labor or dealing with dangerous complications like preeclampsia or living in a maternal health desert. What this legislation provides is that it requires an increase in transparency around the availability of maternal health care under the current law. There is no requirement that major changes to maternity care undergo a full review before the public health and health planning council, meaning that significant changes in availability of labor and delivery services in the community can move forward without community input or oversight and agreement. The legislation requires the public health and health and planning council, also known as PPHPC, to regulate any changes in perinatal services offered by general hospitals in our state. Mister president, if we are truly to address the maternal health crisis in New York, we must safeguard access to health care and maternity services. I proudly vote I and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Webb, to be recorded in the affirmative, announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Aye. 61.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Childhood number four seventy two, senate print 4956, president of Harken, enactment of mental hygiene law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this action defect immediately.

[Senator Robert Jackson]: Call to roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Stabo, Gnars Kruger, Ort, Zuka, and

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Zelner. Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Ayes, 61.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The bill is

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: passed. Calendar number April, center print nine forty seven by senator Jackson, enactment of real property law.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: It

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: will be laid aside.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number 478, senate print eleven forty two by senator Gernardis, an enactment of the civil practice law and rules.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two that's actually confirmed on the sixtieth day of Shabbat Kama law.

[Senator Robert Jackson]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabo, GNR, and Zellner. Announce the results. In relation to in relation to calendar four seventy eight vote in a negative are senators Barrelo, Kesare Fitzpatrick Chan, Hellman, Lanza, Martins, O'Meara, Ort, Rhodes, Walzig, and White. Ayes, 50 nays, 11.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number 41, senate print fifty eighty nine by senator Sepulveda, annexed from the real property law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section three, this action will defect immediately.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabo. General Sougal, Hort, Soukat, and Zellner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results. Ayes, 61. The bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Account number 49, senate print 903 by senator Sanders, an act to amend the elder law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this act will defect immediately.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabable, GNR's Kruger, or Swilcutt and Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results. Aye, 61. Bill has passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Comment number five zero five, senate print eighty nine forty one by senator Martinez, an act authorizing Farmerdale First Baptist Church Incorporated to receive retroactive real property tax exempt status.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this action to correct immediately. Call the roll. Adabo, G and R, Krueger, Ort, Stewart Cuddings, Zellner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: In relation to calendar five zero five, vote in a negative are senators O'Mara and Scufus. Ayes, 59 nays, two.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number 510, senate print seventy eight fifty eight by senator Salazar. And that pardon me, to amend the public authorities law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section five is actually correct immediately.

[Senator Robert Jackson]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabo, Genaris, Krueger, Ort, Zuka, and Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results. Aye. 61. The bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Caliberal five thirty three, set up print sixteen ten by senator Harcom, an act to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this action will take effect on one hundred and of day if it shall become a law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabo, GNR's Kruger, Ort, Shukut, and Zama.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: In relation to calendar five '33, voting in a negative. Senator Walzik. Ayes, 16 ayes, one.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The bill has passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number five thirty four, senate print twenty four eleven by senator Parker, an act to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Bill will be laid aside.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number five thirty six, senate press sixty eight thirty one a by senator Hinchy, and that's to amend to amend the navigation law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Do the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this action of the defendant of one year twenty update, Abhishabah Kamalu.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call to roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabo. GNR is Kruger, Ort, Sokuttins, Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: In relation to counter five thirty six, vote in a negative r, senators Grifold, Martins, Obrakor, Amara Ort, Rhodes, Steck, Walzik, and White. Ayes, 52. Nays, nine. Bill is passed.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Gionaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Thank you, mister president. Let's move on to the controversial calendar beginning with calendar five thirty four.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Secretary will ring the bell. Secretary will read.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number five thirty four, senate print twenty four eleven by senator Parker, an act to amend the environmental conservation law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Lanza, why do you rise?

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

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Lanza. Upon review of the amendment in accordance with rule six, section four b, I rule it non germane and out of order.

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

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The appeal has been made and recognized, and senator Ashby may be heard. Thank you, mister president. On the

[Senator Jake Ashby]: amendment, some important context on the CLCPA that gets lost. This isn't new. This has been the law for almost seven years. We spent billions of taxpayer dollars trying this.

[Senator Steven D. Rhoads]: Here's what

[Senator Jake Ashby]: we have to show for it. 2,000 net megawatts of reliable power has been decommissioned from our grid. Utility bills have skyrocketed over 54%. And the governor's own administration recently admitted the pain our constituents are feeling now is just the beginning. NYSERDA says when the law is fully enforced and fully implemented, Upstate energy bills will spike an additional $340 a month. These mandates were passed before we built out an electric grid that could even possibly handle them. These mandates made a massive bet on solar and wind in a state that for much of the year is neither sunny nor windy. These mandates are impossible to enforce, and the governor has argued as much in court. The state's new official energy plan involves using natural gas as a bridge to our clean energy future. Sounds good to me? Probably sounds good to you too. Too bad that's outlawed by the CLCPA. Every single reasonable person would agree that working toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future is important. However, no reasonable person would argue that this is going well or that the CLCPA represents a balanced, workable approach. My constituents need help. I have seniors on fixed incomes who are choosing between paying out of pocket costs for prescription drugs or keeping the heat on. They need our help today. We can do something about it right now by supporting this amendment. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: 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 over to overruling the chair, signify by saying aye. Aye. A show of hands has been requested and so ordered. Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Ayes 22. Ruling of

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: the chair stands and the bill in chief is before the house. Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two, this action will take effect immediately.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Mister president, we'll be, restoring this to the non controversial calendar, please.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Generis. Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two of this act shall take effect immediately.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Adabo, GNR's Kruger, Hort, Zuka, and Zellner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Ayes, 61.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Bill is passed.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: One fifty nine, please.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Secretary Will Reed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Cabinet number one fifty nine, senate print one nineteen by senator Clear. And that to amend the Emergency Tenant Protection Act.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Martin, why do you rise? On the bill. Senator Martin's on the bill.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Thank you, mister president. The, the issue outlined by the sponsor in the memo, is to try to address the issue of warehousing of units. That is, mister president, there are vacant units in New York City that remain vacant that are identified as part part of the DHCRs annual survey. And somehow, this bill is meant to address the underlying issue of these vacant units. The DHCR recently, back in December 2025, updated their dashboard to include a lot of additional information, which does make it easier to identify vacant units. But again, the real problem is that they aren't collecting the information about the why of the vacancy. That is, mister president, even though they ask whether the unit is vacant, at no point do they ask the landlord why it's vacant. And so if we're going to address the issue of warehousing of units and we're going to address the issue of vacant units, that I think people understand exist, I think it's important that we understand the why. And frankly, I'm not sure that this bill goes to that question by merely asking for LLCs to provide information with regard to ownership structure. So through you, mister president, if the sponsor would yield to a few questions.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Yes.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yields.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Thank you, senator. So would you agree that DHCR should, in addition to tracking vacant units, request that the business owner provide the reason for why the units are vacant.

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: I'm not speaking to that. The reason we're here today is because, I feel as if DHR should track the owners for the purpose of identifying owners when we are seeking repairs in these units. That's the spirit of this bill, so that we can know trends and we can know patterns and we are able to identify those persons and they don't hide behind different LLCs and we have this consistent and persistent problems that exist in some of our properties.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Thank you, senator. Thank you, mister president. Through you, if the sponsor would continue to yield.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Yes.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yields.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: So to be clear, notwithstanding the memo, that accompanied, the bill, the purpose of the bill, to you as the sponsor is not one for identifying vacant units, but rather to identify persons responsible for those units so that if units need to be repaired, there's a person to contact. Yes.

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: And especially in cases where and I have seen in in my district and in other places, there's a persistent pattern that exists with certain owners. But it is difficult to to to, it's difficult to know who they are when you're just dealing with an LLC. This information should be available to HGR so that they can see if there's someone who is constantly having this problem and and not addressing it.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Thank you, mister president. Would you, mister president? Would continue to yield.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Do you mister president, yes, I do.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yields.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: So for purposes of identifying a responsible person, would it be easier, do you think, for DHR to require the owner to identify an individual to whom that outreach can take place, short of providing information with regard to beneficial ownership, with regard to the LLC?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Sometimes. But you know, oftentimes decisions that have to be made, especially in emergency cases, cannot be made by these designated persons. Sometimes we really have to reach those persons who are responsible for the property. And especially, you know, we've had a brutal winter. We have buildings where there is a persistent lack of heat, lack of hot water and that's not something that we can play with. We need to be able to identify these people and especially if they continuously do this and exhibit this kind of behavior.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Through you, mister president, if the sponsor will continue to yield.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The sponsor yield? Yes. Sponsor yields.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: So given that, one of the worst landlords in New York City by far happens to be the City Of New York itself through the NYCHA program and the catastrophe that that has been with regard to access to heat, hot water, living conditions. The responsible person for that, I'm assuming, would also be the mayor of the City Of New York. Right? Would that be the beneficial owner, person to contact in the event that all of those terrible things that are going on in NYCHA facilities and holding somebody responsible?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: This bill deals with rent stabilized housing, not public housing.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Mister president, if the sponsor will continue to yield.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield.

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Through you, mister president. Yes. I do.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Sponsor yields. But we're dealing with a condition with regard to living conditions. Would you consider amending the bill to include the plight of people living in public housing in NYCHA facilities and the very real concerns that we should all have with regard to the conditions they're living under?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Again, I just have to say this bill specifically relates to rent stabilized housing and our ability to have access to know who is ultimately responsible for addressing and remediating heat and hot water power outages, habitability issues, displacement issues, buyouts, and forced, vacancies, and also tenant and resident harassment. These are things that we want to identify and it has been difficult to do that in many of these properties that are owned by LLCs.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Through you, mister president, if the sponsor will continue to yield.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor,

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: you? Through you, mister president,

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: I do. I I noticed that the bill does not include any other forms of ownership like corporations. Certainly, if a corporation was to own, housing units and multiple housing units, I would think that, the same concerns that you're voicing with regard to LLC should occur to with regard to to multiple types or different types of ownership structures. Can you tell us why, this bill only deals with LLCs and not any other structure? Well, that might be an idea for another bill. But right now,

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: it is it deals with the LLCs and those are the ones that seem to pop up under different names from time to time, but it's the same people behind these LLCs.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Through you, mister president, if the sponsor will continue to yield.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield.

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Through you, mister president, I do.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yields.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Thank you, senator. With regard to then the the group that would have to be identified, I I think there's the term beneficial owner in the bill and then the bill goes on to to speak to what is meant by beneficial owners. And I I want to be clear as to the scope of the bill. You know, we're we've talked now just anecdotally about ownership, people who own and are members of the LLC. Is it your understanding that this bill includes those owners and only those people who own the LLC?

[Senator Lea Webb]: Okay.

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: I'm told that the definition is in the bill of the owner. It is in the bill who we're talking about.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: I understand and that's why up through you mister president. The sponsor will continue to yield.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield? Yes. Sponsor

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: yield. I understand it's within the the bill. I read it, and so I understand what it says. And so given the broad scope of the language, and mister president, through you, I will read it since, you know, that's what I was directed to do. Let's all understand what we're talking about. It says that a beneficial owner shall mean an individual who directly or indirectly through any contract arrangement understanding relationship or otherwise or otherwise owns any equity interest of an entity and or has a level of control over the funds or assets of the entity that, as a practical matter, enables the individual directly or indirectly to control, manage, or direct the entity and the use of its funds and assets or any part thereof. So I having read that definition, my concern is just how broad it is and whether or not that definition being as broad as it is, can fairly be replied to. Because if it were just the membership ownership of the LLC, we can check that box. But this doesn't say that. So I'd love to have your sense of what it does or does not include so that we can give clarity to those people who are gonna be expected to actually comply with this bill?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: The language matches the LLC Transparency Act definition, the bill that we passed in 2023. It's the same language. Mister president Through you,

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: mister the sponsor would continue to yield?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Through you, mister president, I do.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Sponsor yields. So the the LLC transparency act and the requirements from what I recall, was actually vetoed, because of concerns about, just this kind of language and, you know, where it would place New York State LLCs as opposed to other LLCs, throughout the country, and perhaps put the state at a disadvantage. Are you aware of that?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: So it's my understanding that this part this was passed in 2023, and the part that you're talking about, that part was vetoed on a federal level. Okay. But we what we passed in 2023 is this definition.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Through you, mister president, if the sponsor would continue to yield?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: With sponsor yield?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Through you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yields.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: So if, if someone fails to provide that information, what is the penalty assessed to that building owner for failure to provide the information required by the bill?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Okay. So that would be considered an incomplete filing with the registration. Sometimes people do and that, you know, the HCR has their methods for dealing with that. But the bill does not state any penalty.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Through you, mister president, if the sponsor will continue to

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: yield? Sponsor yield?

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Through you, mister president, I do.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yields.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: So through you, Mr. President, are you familiar with the requirement that if there is an incomplete filing that the penalty that is assessed by DHCRs is actually $500 per day, per unit, until the filing is completed or corrected. Familiar with that? No. Through you, mister president.

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: I don't know the exact dollar amount. I don't know the penalty. No.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Mister president, on the bill. Senator, thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Martin's on the bill.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: So here we are. We're being asked to to vote on a bill, where the language encompassing who may or may not be required to report is ambiguous, is broad. Frankly, it can include anyone from the owner to anyone who has the authority to sign checks or anyone who's managing the property. It is it is overly broad in the context of a group that is managing multifamily housing in New York City. And yet, the penalty for getting it wrong that'll be absorbed by the ownership could be up to $500 per day, per unit, for every day that they got it wrong. And they're forced to guess as to what it is or who they can or have to actually submit. Now, I certainly share the sponsor's concerns with regard to conditions and conditions in in housing because no one should be in a position of not having heat in the winter, clean water, access to utilities, and to live in a safe environment. I agree with the sponsor a thousand percent, and I thank her because I understand that the bill comes from a good place. I do. My concern is that oftentimes what we do is we pass bills in this chamber hoping to reach a certain result, but we come up short. And so there are other ways by which we can make sure that people comply with those requirements. And maybe we need to be more aggressive in how we do that and not exclude public housing and not exclude corporations. And maybe we need to be more aggressive to make sure that people are living in safe housing conditions. But the idea, mister president, that we are going to somehow solve this issue by creating a requirement that isn't clear, but that comes with significant consequences and penalties is something that we should avoid frankly as a body. And so to the extent that there is a an opportunity for us to work together to come up with an alternative that requires these things and holds people accountable, count me in. But we're not gonna exclude NYCHA in the city of New York, and we shouldn't exclude any housing units in New York City or anywhere else in in the state. And certainly, if we're gonna impose penalties, and we're gonna try and get there, let's make sure we get there in a way that is fair so that people understand what they have to do in order to comply and it's not subject to interpretation. And so I share the sponsor's mission. I look forward to hopefully working with her on other initiatives as we move forward. But unfortunately, mister president, I will not be able to support this bill at this time for the reasons, that I just explained. And again, wanna thank the sponsor. Thank you, mister president.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Martins. On the bell. Are there any other senators wishing to be heard? Seeing and hearing none, debate is now closed. The secretary will ring the bell. Senator Gianaris.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Hey, mister president. Let's return this to the noncontroversial calendar as well.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Though we return to noncontroversial calendar, read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section three, this act shall take effect immediately. Call the roll. Adoption. Gianaris Kruger or Zukahnsona.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Clear to explain her vote.

[Senator Cordell Cleare]: Thank you, mister president. This bill is about three things. This bill serves multiple purposes. One, it builds on the senate majority's efforts to provide disclosure and transparency with respect to LLC. Secondly, by providing more disclosure and of ownership interest in housing LLC's, we can get a greater picture of trends that are occurring, including buyouts, forced vacancies, harassment, and so on. Third, in cases where it may be appropriate to raise issues to owners, we can deal with real names and human beings, not LLCs with mailboxes. In my role as state senator, I'm often tasked with getting to the bottom of things. The mailing addresses of LLCs and even publicly available information about management companies is all is not always sufficient to resolve issues. If you want to own housing, especially rent regulated housing in this state, we should know exactly who you are and how to reach you. LLCs fail miserably often in this regard and that is why disclosure is needed. I proudly vote aye and ask my colleagues to do the same. Thank you.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Claire, to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: In relation to the count of one fifty nine voting in a negative r, senators Barrella, councilor A. Fitzpatrick, Chan, Cooney, Galvin, Grifle, Helming, Marks, Meterra, Murray, Obraka, O'Meara, Ort Palumbo, Rose, Raulston, Steck, Tedisco, Walzwick, Weberton, White, eyes forty, twenty one.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The bill is passed.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Calendar number 470 '7, center print nine 47 by senator Jackson, enactment of real property law.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Wolsek, why do you rise?

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Mister president, I hope the sponsor would yield for some questions.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield?

[Senator Robert Jackson]: Shoem, how are you doing, brother?

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Good. How are you, neighbor?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor is definitely yielding.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: So, current law through you, mister president, current law, states that electronic billing and or payment for rent, a landlord shall not require a lessee or tenant to use electronic billing and or a payment system as the only method for the payment of rent, and a landlord shall not assess any fee or other charge for the lessee or tenant that chooses not to use electronic billing and or payment systems. So that's the the current law. What changes to current law does this bill propose?

[Senator Robert Jackson]: No. I didn't I'm not concerned with that. I'm concerned with when the landlord is send out notice to everyone in the building that they have an option of paying rent through one of these organizations, an automated clearing house. So the tenants can say, yes, I would like to do that, what is it gonna cost? Or it's gonna cost nothing, or no, I'm not interested. So basically, that's what happened, But overall, when someone agreed that they want to use a clearinghouse, so for me, I looked at the situation, okay, now I would have to, write a check, pay the stamp, and then mail it. That's the process that was happening before. Okay? And now there's an automatic clearing house where the landlord has suggested that this is make it easier for everyone. And so I, as a tenant, for forty eight years with my wife and family, took advantage of that because it was okay by me.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Through you, mister president, would the sponsor continue to yield?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Will the sponsor yield? Sponsor yields.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: So if this if this bill that you're proposing prohibits the landlord from assessing that fee through those processes for a payment of rent, how will that fee get paid for? How will that get assessed?

[Senator Robert Jackson]: I I don't think that the the landlord is I think that what happens is that the the fee that the automatic clearinghouse pays by by by the tenant who wanted to have the easier way in order to process their rent, it meets their recommendations, so they do it. But other than that, there's no no necessary for them to act if they don't want to act. And so this is not where you're being forced to do it. If you want to do it, you have a right to do it.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: And through you, mister president, would the sponsor continue to yield?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield. Sponsor yields.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Yeah. I I understand that they wouldn't be forced to do it, but those systems do have a cost to run. I'm sure that landlords subscribe to these systems and they have some overhead that currently similar to when you're using your credit card, a certain percentage or a certain payment of your credit card goes to the actual vendor for the credit card machines and how they get processed so that that ultimately gets charged to your bank. I'm curious about who will ultimately pay those fees when landlords subscribe to use one of these convenience things for their tenant like you've taken advantage of?

[Senator Robert Jackson]: In response to that, as long as, I've agreed to the system where I won't do anything, but the automatic clearinghouse basically when when it's time to pay my rent, the rent is being paid. And that's coming out of my checking account and that's it. I'm not looking for a second job monitoring what everybody else is paying.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Through you, mister president, would the sponsor continue to yield?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield? Yeah. Sponsor yield.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: So the governor signed a law a few years ago explicitly allowing for these payments for the automated clearing houses to be passed through to consumers. And we specifically enumerated, but not if the tenant is paying by cash or check because we didn't want to hem up rent increases into additional fees. But how does this square up with that? Are aren't you concerned that that convenience will come away if there's no way for a landlord to pay for it? I'm not concerned. I'm not concerned because it's a process that's worked. It's working for me and if you are living there with your family and if there's a fee, let's

[Senator Robert Jackson]: say of $2 or something like that, you have to decide whether or not you want to accept that and make it easier for you rather than you or your spouse writing a check or putting in an envelope and stamp and then mailing it and making sure that it's received by the owner of the building. So it makes life easier for everyone overall if you can afford a dollar or $2 whatever it costs.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Through you Mr. President, would the sponsor continue to yield?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Sponsor yield? Yes. Sponsor yields.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: I see. So you're really just looking to provide transparency for what that fee will be for the convenience of the automatic clearinghouse, automated clearinghouse. Am I understanding you correctly?

[Senator Robert Jackson]: If they told me the fee was $2 I have to decide whether or not I want it. If they said $10 $15 they have I have to decide. But I say this to you, if it was $10.15 dollars, I'm not using it. I mean, you have to evaluate what's best for you and your family.

[Senator Mark C. Walczyk]: Mister Thank president.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Thank you, senator Walzik. Are there any other senators wishing to be heard, seeing, and hearing none? Debate is now closed. The secretary

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: will ring the bell. Let us also restore this to the noncontroversial calendar, please.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: For senator Gionnaires, the bill will restore to the noncontroversial calendar. Read the last section.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Section two of this act shall defect immediately.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Call the roll.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: Dabo Gionnaires Krueger or Zorkhat and Zelner.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Martins to explain his vote.

[Senator Jack M. Martins]: Thank you, mister president. I wanna thank the sponsor, for this legislation. I think, frankly, transparency, in these situations are paramount. And certainly, as long as the only thing the bill requires is that the landlord provide notice to the tenants and give them the option of doing that, then it makes sense. And so it's up to the tenant to decide whether or not they're willing to pay that fee. And, and certainly, they can they can arrange their their, their own finances accordingly. So to the extent that the bill just requires that the landlord provide that, I vote aye, and thank the sponsor.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: Senator Martins, to be recorded in the affirmative. Announce the results.

[Secretary of the Senate (Reading Clerk)]: In relation to calendar four seventy seven voting in the negative are senators Barello, Palumbo, Rhodes, Scufus, Walzik, and White. Ayes fifty five and eighty six.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: The bill is passed. Senator Gianaris, that completes the reading of today's calendar.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: Is there any further business at the desk?

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: There is no further business at the desk.

[Senator Michael N. Gianaris]: I move to adjourn till tomorrow, Thursday, March 19 at 11AM.

[Acting President of the Senate (male, unidentified)]: On motion, the senate stands adjourned until Thursday, March 19 at 11AM.