Senator James Sanders Jr. Highlights 2026 Bills & Legislations.

ALBANY, NY — Senator James Sanders Jr. announced that a number of his legislative priorities have successfully passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly during the 2026 Legislative Session and are now awaiting action by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The legislation reflects Senator Sanders' continued commitment to expanding economic opportunity, strengthening minority-owned businesses, protecting vulnerable New Yorkers, improving public health, supporting financial inclusion, enhancing transportation resilience, and honoring public servants.

"These bills represent years of advocacy and collaboration with community leaders, business owners, financial institutions, advocates, and my colleagues in government," said Senator Sanders. "Each piece of legislation addresses a real problem facing New Yorkers today. Together, they demonstrate my continued commitment to creating opportunity, protecting consumers, strengthening communities, and ensuring government works better for the people it serves."

Among the measures awaiting the Governor's signature are legislation that would:

• Make history by allowing State deposits in Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) through New York's Banking Development District Program, increasing lending capacity and expanding banking services in underserved communities.
• Simplify MWBE certification by creating reciprocal recognition between New York State and New York City, reducing unnecessary paperwork and making it easier for minority- and women-owned businesses to compete for public contracts.
• Protect EBT recipients by prohibiting banks from charging ATM and related service fees on Electronic Benefit Transfer cards issued through New York State and local governments.
• Strengthen MWBE participation in public contracts by improving utilization plan accountability, requiring timely work assignments and prompt payments to certified subcontractors.
• Expand contracting opportunities for small businesses by improving compliance assistance and strengthening support for MWBEs participating in state projects.
• Combat elder abuse by requiring specialized training for senior service providers to better identify, prevent, and report abuse affecting older adults.
• Improve public health protections by reducing allowable levels of harmful coal tar chemicals in pavement sealants.
• Support critical resiliency improvements to the Rockaway Line by authorizing the City of New York to discontinue certain Queens parkland necessary for vital transit infrastructure improvements.
• Honor fallen Port Authority Police Officer Arthur M. Ansert Jr. by dedicating a portion of the state highway system in his memory.
• Strengthen New York's banking industry by extending the State Charter Advisory Board while increasing transparency through annual reporting requirements.

"For years, I have fought to ensure that MWBEs receive more than promises—they deserve meaningful opportunities to grow, compete, and build generational wealth," Sanders said. "Whether it's streamlining certification, improving access to contracts, strengthening community banking, or supporting minority financial institutions, these bills move us closer to a more equitable economy."

He also emphasized the importance of protecting New York's most vulnerable residents.

"Government must always work to protect those who need it most. Whether we are preventing elder abuse, eliminating unnecessary banking fees for families relying on public benefits, or improving public health through environmental protections, these bills are about improving people's everyday lives."

Senator Sanders thanked his Assembly sponsors, legislative colleagues, advocates, community organizations, financial institutions, business leaders, and stakeholders who helped advance the legislation through both houses of the Legislature.

"While I am proud that these bills have passed both houses, our work is not finished," Sanders concluded. "I look forward to Governor Hochul signing the pending measures into law so we can continue building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous New York for everyone."