New York Bills

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1129: Prohibits the use of unencapsulated foam flotation in docks, buoys and floating structures

This bill prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of polystyrene foam docks, buoys, and floating structures in New York State. It specifically bans products made with expanded polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, or rigid polystyrene. The prohibition takes effect on January 1, 2027, directly affecting manufacturers, retailers, and distributors of these items. The law aims to reduce plastic pollution in waterways by eliminating a common source of persistent foam debris.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 7963: Requires certain political communications to include provenance data for all audio, images or videos used in such communications

Requires certain political communications to include provenance data for all audios, images or videos used in such communications; provides for the repeal of certain provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 7263: Imposes liability for damages caused by a chatbot impersonating certain licensed professionals

This bill requires chatbot operators to clearly disclose when users are interacting with an AI system, prohibits chatbots from impersonating licensed professionals (such as doctors or lawyers), and makes operators liable for damages if users suffer harm due to such impersonation. It directly affects businesses deploying chatbots that provide professional advice, mandating clear notices and banning deceptive practices like claiming to be a human expert. Violators face civil liability for actual damages, plus legal fees if the violation was intentional. The law would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 7660: Details the procedure that certain school districts must follow when dealing with disciplinary actions for bus drivers and bus driver's assistants

This bill requires school districts in Westchester, Putnam, Nassau, and Suffolk counties to follow existing union contracts when disciplining bus drivers and driver's assistants. Districts must honor these agreements before taking adverse actions unless a superintendent certifies the driver's conduct involved "egregious misconduct" creating immediate danger to students. If such certification occurs, districts must complete a 5-business-day expedited review process, bypassing standard grievance procedures. Drivers or assistants wrongfully disciplined during this process are entitled to punitive damages if exonerated. The law applies specifically to transportation contracts in those counties.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · New York · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

A 7884: Authorizes the town of Smithtown assessor to accept an application for a real property tax exemption from Tiegerman Community Services, Inc.

Authorizes the town of Smithtown assessor to accept an application for a real property tax exemption from Tiegerman Community Services, Inc. for the 2023-2024 assessment rolls.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1452: Enacts the "fairness in cooperative homeownership act"

Enacts the "fairness in cooperative homeownership act"; regulates the submission and determinations of applications for ownership of cooperative apartments.

Topics ✓ Housing

Brian Kavanagh (D) · 17 co-sponsors

died · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 5701: Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to establish discharge plans and reentry services for wrongfully convicted individuals upon their discharge

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to establish discharge plans and reentry services for wrongfully convicted individuals upon their discharge which includes housing needs, educational needs, employment needs, medical needs, and specific social service needs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

passed · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1763: Relates to cost sharing fees for outpatient treatment at a substance use treatment program

Provides that for a substance use disorder outpatient treatment episode of care by a provider licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the office of addiction services and supports, an insured shall only be responsible for a cost sharing fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 949: Relates to service of certain notice of violations returnable to the environmental control board

Provides for service of notice of violations of any provision of title sixteen of the administrative code of the city of New York by the department of sanitation on a respondent that is a closed commercial establishment.

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1158: Requires events held by the state or on state property which include alcohol to include alcohol produced within the state

This bill requires all state agencies, the legislature, and the judiciary to include locally produced alcohol in procurement for any state event where alcoholic beverages (like beer, wine, or spirits) will be served. It mandates that when purchasing alcohol for such events, the state must prioritize alcoholic products made within the state. The law applies to events held by the state or on state property and takes effect one year after enactment. This policy directly affects state entities responsible for event planning and alcohol procurement, creating a concrete requirement to support in-state alcohol producers.

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 5454: Requires cytomegalovirus screening for every newborn

Bill S 5454 mandates universal cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening for all newborn infants. This bill requires that every newborn be tested for CMV, primarily through a urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or a nucleic acid-based test such as a dried blood-spot. It also grants the commissioner the authority to approve alternative diagnostic tests if they are deemed equally or more effective. This legislation ensures that all newborns receive CMV screening.

passed · New York · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

A 2612: Designates the animal control officer in the town of Sand Lake as a peace officer

This bill designates the animal control officer in Sand Lake, Rensselaer County, as a peace officer for specific duties. It allows the officer, at the town board's discretion, to enforce Article 26 of the Agriculture and Markets Law and issue appearance tickets under Article 7 of that law. The bill explicitly states this designation does not authorize the officer to carry or possess firearms without a valid license under the Penal Law. The change applies only to Sand Lake's animal control officer and modifies the Criminal Procedure Law to reflect this new authority.

Bill results