New York Bills

passed both · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 10703: Authorizes and directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to conduct a study on vertical farming

This bill directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets to conduct a study on vertical farming within one year of its effective date. The study will examine how vertical farms affect access to locally grown food, job creation, educational opportunities, and environmental impacts. After completing the research, the commissioner must submit a report with recommendations to state leaders including the governor and legislative leaders. The bill does not authorize any new programs or funding but establishes a research requirement to inform future policy decisions.

passed both · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 9566: Relates to extending the duration of limited permits to practice licensed clinical social work and licensed master social work

Extends the duration of limited permits to practice licensed clinical social work and use the title licensed clinical social worker, or practice licensed master social work and use the title licensed master social worker from twelve to twenty-four months with the ability to be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods.

passed both · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 4424: Enacts the anti-waiver of employment rights act

Enacts the "anti-waiver of employment rights act" to invalidate any express or implied contractual provision waiving or otherwise limiting any employee's substantive or procedural rights, remedies, or claim.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 7810: Relates to reporting requirements for temporary release programs

Adds additional information to reporting requirements for temporary release programs including the number of incarcerated individuals denied participation in each temporary release program and the reasons for denial.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed both · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 7301: Requires sexual and domestic violence awareness posters in certain businesses

Bill A 7301 requires licensed appearance enhancement businesses, such as cosmetology establishments, to display posters containing information on sexual and domestic violence. The Department of State, in consultation with other state offices, will create these posters, which will include signs of violence and available resources like hotlines and victim services. These posters will be provided to businesses at no cost and must be available in the top ten non-English languages spoken in the state. Businesses are mandated to post them in a conspicuous location accessible to all customers.

passed both · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 8849: Requires the department of health to facilitate the exchange of data between the state prescription drug program and electronic health records

Directs the commissioner of health shall promulgate regulations allowing for any electronic health records integration vendor to obtain state approval to facilitate interoperability between the prescription monitoring program registry and certified electronic health records systems that can connect with any national data sharing hub.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed both · New York · Assembly May 13, 2026

A 4840: Relates to the requirements for certification for certified interior designers

This bill establishes new requirements for individuals seeking the title "certified interior designer" in New York. To qualify, applicants must complete seven years of professional training (including 2-5 years of approved post-secondary education), pass a national certification exam, and pass a state-specific fire and safety codes exam, with a $135 initial license fee. It allows exemptions for those holding valid out-of-state licenses or who have documented seven years of practice without formal education. The bill amends Education Law Section 8305 to implement these standards.

passed both · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 947: Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants with fees for the payment of rent through an automated clearing house or online payment system

This bill (S 947) prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants fees for using electronic rent payment methods like online portals or automated clearing house (ACH) systems. It requires landlords to offer at least one fee-free payment option (such as cash or check) and bans them from requiring electronic payment as the sole method. Landlords also cannot charge fees for tenants who choose not to use electronic systems. The law applies directly to tenants and landlords in New York residential leases and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 2476: Requires the chair of the public service commission create rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the creation of a resilient electric vehicle charging system pilot program

Requires the chair of the public service commission create rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the creation of a resilient electric vehicle charging system pilot program to provide power through an extended outage.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 252: Relates to wild or exotic animals

Provides that "wild animal" means indigenous, non-domesticated animals native to the country in which they live and "exotic animal" means a wild animal with an origin of a different continent; adds certain wild or exotic animals to the list of non-companion animals; provides certain owners of wild or exotic animals with a license process.

passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 3336: Relates to contracts for school food services

Provides that a board of education or a board of cooperative educational services shall have the authority to award contracts for school food services on the basis of certain scoring criteria.

passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 8272: Includes Hague Brook in the list of inland waterways eligible for the local waterfront revitalization program

This bill adds Hague Brook to the list of waterways eligible for New York's local waterfront revitalization program. It directly affects communities along Hague Brook, allowing them to access state funding and support for projects like park improvements, erosion control, and public access. The key mechanism is an amendment to the executive law that expands the existing list of qualifying waterways, which already includes dozens of creeks and brooks across the state. The change makes Hague Brook formally eligible for the same revitalization resources available to other listed waterways.

Topics ✓ Environment

Bill results