Policy
Policy
Zohran Mamdani’s 3 bills
The democratic socialist Assembly member has championed ambitious reforms, with limited success in getting them enacted into law.
Policy
Hochul promises ‘fight’ over immigration, but has little to show for it
After the arrest of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, the governor announced funding already included in the state budget and declined to back a measure to increase legal representation for immigrants in court.
Energy & Environment
As session ends, Assembly acts on environmental legislation
The Assembly eliminated incentives for natural gas hook-ups and is expected to pass a bill to reduce plastic waste.
Immigration
Amid increased ICE raids, state Legislature fails to act on sanctuary state bill
The New York for All Act, which would prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, didn’t even make it to a vote in the state Senate.
Albany Agenda
Heading home, here’s what lawmakers got done in the last legislative week
The state Senate and Assembly passed hundreds of bills in the final days of the legislative session. These are some of the most important.
Albany Agenda
Former Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell on track to join state parole board
During his long career in the state Legislature, O’Donnell supported expanding parole – and soon, he’ll get to decide who deserves it.
Policy
Parole and sentencing reform left out of omnibus prison reform bill
Criminal justice advocates are chafing at the exclusion of measures they say are necessary to respond to Robert Brooks’ death in a truly meaningful way.
Health Care
Religious groups urge Hochul to kill Medical Aid in Dying bill
The controversial Medical Aid in Dying legislation has finally made it through both the Assembly and the state Senate, but the governor could still veto it.
Albany Agenda
The bills to watch in the final week of session
Prison reforms, a packaging reduction bill and the Grieving Families Act could all come up for a vote before the Legislative session ends.
Policy
NYC Council charter commission wants to up funding for oversight agencies
The 17-member panel is concerned about making sure the watchdogs can keep investigating.
Policy
Turo car-share app pushes bill to reduce insurance requirements
State Sen. James Skoufis and Assembly Member David Weprin are sponsoring a bill that would treat car-share apps the same as rental car companies.
Technology
‘Little tech’ lobby starts campaign against AI regulation bills
The American Innovators Network is warning about unintended consequences of the RAISE Act and other legislation regulating AI companies.
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Immigration
Can NY stop ICE from arresting immigrants at federal courthouses?
Existing state law only limits arrests at state courthouses, and it’s not clear the state Legislature has the power to stop arrests in federal buildings.
Albany Agenda
Faith leaders urge Assembly to pass packaging reduction bill
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act just passed the state Senate but faces intense opposition from the plastics industry and some business leaders.
Energy & Environment
Will NY stop blocking natural gas pipeline following Trump approval of offshore wind farm?
The state Department of Environmental Conservation previously denied a clean water permit for the Constitution pipeline, but it could choose to take no action if the pipeline reapplies for the permit.
Policy
Unable to ban Zyn pouches, lawmakers target Zyn rewards instead
Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal compared the Zyn rewards system to loyalty programs for cigarette brands.
50 Over 50 Alumni
City & State 50 over 50 alumni on dedication to public service
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, WNYC’s Brian Lehrer and New York City Planning Chair Marisa Lago spoke at an event celebrating them and others for their more than half-a-century of making a difference.
Housing
NY’s top court hears arguments on upstate rent control
The outcome of the case could determine whether cities like Kingston and Poughkeepsie can follow New York City’s lead and adopt rent stabilization measures.
Policy
Unions back not one, but two sentencing reform measures
After previously supporting the Earned Time Act, several unions are calling on state leaders to also pass the Second Look Act before the end of the legislative session
New York State
Lawmakers press state prisons commissioner at hearing
The commissioner asked legislators for greater power to discipline problem corrections officers.
