New York Bills

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11654: Authorizes distinctive license plates for doctors of osteopathic medicine

This bill allows licensed Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in New York to request special license plates for their vehicles. To qualify, the applicant must prove they are currently registered with the state education department and own the vehicle, and they must pay the standard registration fee plus an extra annual charge of $31.25. The distinctive plates will feature the letters "DO" and the word "physician" alongside the Staff of Asclepius symbol, matching the design of plates issued to Medical Doctors. The law would take effect 180 days after it is signed into legislation.

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11632: Enacts the "Social Worker Initiative for Faster Testing (SWIFT) act"

Enacts the "Social Worker Initiative for Faster Testing (SWIFT) act"; provides that with respect to the examination requirement for licensure as a master social worker, an applicant pursuing a master's of social work degree who is enrolled in the final semester of a program registered by the department of education or an educational program accredited or in candidacy for accreditation by the council on social work education shall be eligible to take the master's level examination.

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11649: Creates a state trooper highway memorial task force to provide for the recognition of members of the division of state police who have died in the line of duty

Creates a state trooper highway memorial task force to develop and establish guidelines for recognition of members of the division of state police who have died in the line of duty; provides such recognition shall be by means of dedicating a portion of the state highway system, or the placement of a memorial plaque or marker along a state highway.

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11619: Requires employers to provide neonatal intensive care leave

This bill requires employers to provide unpaid leave for employees whose children are hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. The amount of leave depends on company size, with businesses having 16 to 50 employees offering up to 10 days and larger companies offering up to 20 days. Employees can take this time continuously or in smaller increments, and they will be reinstated to their original job with benefits maintained after the leave ends. The law also prohibits discrimination against workers for using this leave and allows employers to request basic verification of the child's hospital stay without asking for private medical details.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11642: Prohibits unlawful seizure of ballots

This bill creates a new crime for taking possession of ballots that eligible voters have already marked and submitted through legal means. It specifically makes it a class E felony for anyone to seize, confiscate, remove, or otherwise take control of these valid ballots. The law includes exceptions for election officials working with proper approval and law enforcement officers acting under a valid court order. By defining these actions as a felony, the legislation aims to protect the integrity of the voting process from unauthorized interference.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11633: Relates to handicapped parking permits for persons seventy-five years old and older

Allows persons who were issued a temporary special vehicle identification parking permit to renew such permit without providing an updated medical certification or additional medical documents if such person is 75 years or older.

in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11650: Allows voters not enrolled in a political party to designate and vote in the primary election of a political party

Provides that at a primary election, a voter who is not enrolled in a political party may designate the ballot of one political party qualified to participate in such election and shall be provided with and permitted to vote only in the primary election of the political party so designated; excludes presidential primary elections.

in committee · New York · Senate Jul 27, 2026

S 10670: Enacts Joycelynn's Law

Joycelynn's Law creates two new criminal offenses to address severe cases of child endangerment by parents or guardians. The first offense, aggravated endangering the welfare of a child, applies when an adult with criminal negligence causes serious harm or significant risk to a minor under seventeen, such as through failure to provide basic needs or excessive punishment. The second offense, aggravated endangering the welfare of a child resulting in death, is charged when the initial negligent act leads to the death of the child. Both charges are classified as felonies, with the death-related charge being the most severe, and the law clarifies that these new charges do not prevent prosecutors from using other existing charges if the circumstances warrant them.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New York · Senate Jul 24, 2026

S 10666: Designates the Nature Center at Rockland Lake State Park as the "Lauren Shields Nature Center"

This bill designates the Nature Center at Rockland Lake State Park as the "Lauren Shields Nature Center" in honor of organ donation advocate Lauren Shields. It requires the state parks commissioner to install and maintain signage identifying the center with this dedication and to include information about organ donation on the signs. The legislation clarifies that while the center will be ceremonially dedicated to Shields, its official name will not change to avoid confusion. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

in committee · New York · Senate Jul 24, 2026

S 10667: Establishes a presumption that certain refunds received by public utility companies and municipalities shall be passed on to ratepayers

Establishes a presumption that certain refunds received by public utility companies and municipalities shall be passed on to ratepayers through bill credits, direct refunds, reductions in future rates, or other methods that provide a direct and equitable benefit to affected ratepayers.

in committee · New York · Senate Jul 24, 2026

S 10669: Establishes the indigenous black carbon recovery and clean energy manufacturing pilot program in the capital district and adjoining regions; appropriation

This bill creates a pilot program in New York's capital district and surrounding areas to capture black carbon pollution and repurpose it for manufacturing advanced solar technologies. The initiative requires the state to partner with Indigenous Nations, giving them significant roles in decision-making, site selection, and ownership of projects. It includes funding for cleaning up contaminated sites, building local solar manufacturing facilities, and installing solar systems on various lands while prioritizing disadvantaged communities. A $50 million appropriation is provided to cover the costs of this program, which will be evaluated after five years to determine if it should be expanded statewide.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Jul 24, 2026

S 10668: Establishes the indigenous clean biofuel innovation and resource partnership pilot program to develop and deploy low-carbon bio-blended fuels in alignment with the state's clean fuel standards; appropriation

Establishes the indigenous clean biofuel innovation and resource partnership pilot program to develop and deploy low-carbon bio-blended fuels in alignment with the state's clean fuel standards.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Bill results