Regular Session - May 29, 2019
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1 NEW YORK STATE SENATE
2
3
4 THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
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8
9 ALBANY, NEW YORK
10 May 29, 2019
11 3:48 p.m.
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13
14 REGULAR SESSION
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16
17
18 SENATOR BRIAN A. BENJAMIN, Acting President
19 ALEJANDRA N. PAULINO, ESQ., Secretary
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1 P R O C E E D I N G S
2 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
3 Senate will come to order.
4 I ask everyone present to please
5 rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
6 (Whereupon, the assemblage recited
7 the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
8 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: In the
9 absence of clergy, let us bow our heads in a
10 moment of silent reflection or prayer.
11 (Whereupon, the assemblage respected
12 a moment of silence.)
13 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
14 reading of the Journal.
15 THE SECRETARY: In Senate, Tuesday,
16 May 28, 2019, the Senate met pursuant to
17 adjournment. The Journal of Sunday, May 26,
18 2019, was read and approved. On motion, Senate
19 adjourned.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Without
21 objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
22 Presentation of petitions.
23 Messages from the Assembly.
24 The Secretary will read.
25 THE SECRETARY: On page 19,
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1 Senator Amedore moves to discharge, from the
2 Committee on Environmental Conservation,
3 Assembly Bill Number 2225A and substitute it for
4 the identical Senate Bill 2157, Third Reading
5 Calendar 284.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
7 substitution is so ordered.
8 THE SECRETARY: On page 26,
9 Senator Sepúlveda moves to discharge, from the
10 Committee on Judiciary, Assembly Bill Number 2118
11 and substitute it for the identical Senate Bill
12 3891, Third Reading Calendar 494.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
14 substitution is so ordered.
15 THE SECRETARY: On page 36,
16 Senator Bailey moves to discharge, from the
17 Committee on Housing, Construction and Community
18 Development, Assembly Bill Number 1646 and
19 substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 2576,
20 Third Reading Calendar 643.
21 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
22 substitution is so ordered.
23 THE SECRETARY: On page 42,
24 Senator Carlucci moves to discharge, from the
25 Committee on Mental Health and Developmental
4174
1 Disabilities, Assembly Bill Number 6344A and
2 substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 5347,
3 Third Reading Calendar 739.
4 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
5 substitution is so ordered.
6 THE SECRETARY: On page 45,
7 Senator Serrano moves to discharge, from the
8 Committee on Corporations, Authorities and
9 Commissions, Assembly Bill Number 316 and
10 substitute it for the identical Senate Bill 1426,
11 Third Reading Calendar 774.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
13 substitution is so ordered.
14 Messages from the Governor.
15 Reports of standing committees.
16 Reports of select committees.
17 Communications and reports from
18 state officers.
19 Motions and resolutions.
20 Senator Gianaris.
21 SENATOR GIANARIS: Mr. President,
22 on behalf of Senator Kavanagh, on page 22 I offer
23 the following amendments to Calendar Number 371,
24 Senate Print 2301, and ask that said bill retain
25 its place on Third Reading Calendar.
4175
1 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
2 amendments are received, and the bill shall
3 retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
4 SENATOR GIANARIS: On behalf of
5 Senator Martinez, I move to recommit Senate Print
6 3426, Calendar Number 235 on the order of third
7 reading, to the Committee on Transportation, with
8 instructions to said committee to strike the
9 enacting clause.
10 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: It is
11 so ordered.
12 SENATOR GIANARIS: On behalf of
13 Senator Savino, I move that the following bill be
14 discharged from its respective committee and be
15 recommitted with instructions to strike the
16 enacting clause: Senate Bill 6116.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: It is
18 so ordered.
19 SENATOR GIANARIS: And on behalf of
20 Senator Stavisky, I wish to call up Senate Print
21 3917, recalled from the Assembly, which is now at
22 the desk.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
24 Secretary will read.
25 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
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1 350, Senate Print 3917, by Senator Stavisky, an
2 act to amend the General Municipal Law.
3 SENATOR GIANARIS: Move to
4 reconsider the vote by which this bill was passed.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
6 Secretary will call the roll on reconsideration.
7 (The Secretary called the roll.)
8 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 55.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
10 bill is restored to its place on the Third
11 Reading Calendar.
12 SENATOR GIANARIS: I offer the
13 following amendments.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
15 amendments are received.
16 SENATOR GIANARIS: Mr. President,
17 amendments are offered to the following bills on
18 the Third Reading Calendar:
19 By Senator Addabbo, page 18,
20 Calendar Number 231; Senate Print 1974;
21 By Senator Benjamin, page 21,
22 Calendar Number 370, Senate Print 211A;
23 By Senator Bailey, page 25,
24 Calendar Number 467, Senate Print 1950;
25 By Senator Benjamin, page 28,
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1 Calendar Number 521, Senate Print 456;
2 By Senator Thomas, page 31,
3 Calendar Number 565, Senate Print 2435;
4 By Senator Ramos, page 32,
5 Calendar Number 589, Senate Print 4981;
6 By Senator Stavisky, page 39,
7 Calendar Number 695, Senate Print 4469;
8 By Senator Sepúlveda, page 40,
9 Calendar Number 701, Senate Print 3942;
10 By Senator Kaplan, page 48,
11 Calendar Number 802, Senate Print 5647; and
12 By Senator Gianaris, page 49,
13 Calendar Number 809, Senate Print 3403.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
15 amendments are received, and the bills shall
16 retain their place on the Third Reading Calendar.
17 SENATOR GIANARIS: Please recognize
18 Senator Griffo.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
20 Griffo.
21 SENATOR GRIFFO: Mr. President, on
22 behalf of Senator LaValle, I move that Senate
23 Bill 3322 be discharged from its respective
24 committee and be recommitted with instructions to
25 strike the enacting clause.
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1 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: It is
2 so ordered.
3 Senator Gianaris.
4 SENATOR GIANARIS: Can we now take
5 up previously adopted Resolution 1015, by
6 Senator Kennedy, read that resolution's title
7 only, and recognize Senator Kennedy.
8 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
9 Secretary will read.
10 THE SECRETARY: Senate Resolution
11 1015, by Senator Kennedy, memorializing Governor
12 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 29, 2019, as
13 Canada Day in the State of New York.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
15 Kennedy on the resolution.
16 SENATOR KENNEDY: Thank you,
17 Mr. President.
18 I rise today to honor the
19 longstanding relationship between the
20 United States and Canada and to recognize May 29,
21 2019, as Canada Day here in the State of
22 New York.
23 I'd like to take an opportunity to
24 recognize some distinguished guests who have
25 joined us here today in the chamber. We have
4179
1 with us the consul general, Phyllis Yaffe.
2 Meaghan Sunderland, the deputy consul for public
3 affairs and political economic relations.
4 Rachael Homewood, the senior advisor to the
5 Canadian Consulate -- also my former legislative
6 director and chief of staff in the New York State
7 Senate. Also Ian Todd, Ontario's representative
8 to the United States.
9 Thank you all for joining us here
10 today.
11 New York and Canada share deep
12 economic, historic and cultural ties, in addition
13 to the largest bilateral tourism industry in the
14 United States.
15 More than five and a half million
16 Canadians visit New York every year, accounting
17 for over $1.6 billion in spending alone.
18 With a shared border measuring
19 445 miles in length and 17 international border
20 crossings, including three of the busiest in the
21 nation, our proximity and partnership has led to
22 more than 700 Canadian-owned companies putting
23 down roots in the great State of New York.
24 Those very companies are responsible
25 for creating more than 72,000 jobs throughout the
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1 state, and are reflective of a collaborative,
2 innovative foundation for success.
3 Our economies are tightly linked,
4 with Canada serving as New York's primary export
5 market to the tune of $12.5 billion in annual
6 exports. In 2016, $1.7 billion in goods and
7 services made their way across the U.S.-Canada
8 border each and every day. Exports exchanged
9 between the two countries are vast, with top
10 goods including vehicles and auto parts,
11 machinery and fuel. And that list is only
12 expected to grow in the years to come.
13 In Western New York, our ties to
14 Canada are a special part of our daily culture.
15 Every home game, thousands of Canadian fans
16 stream across the border to cheer on Josh Allen
17 and the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
18 And let me remind my colleagues that
19 the Buffalo Bills remain the only New York State
20 team, Mr. President.
21 (Laughter.)
22 SENATOR KENNEDY: That makes us all
23 diehard Buffalo Bills fans. Isn't that right,
24 everybody?
25 (Reaction from members.)
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1 SENATOR KENNEDY: Please, please
2 hold back your applause.
3 (Laughter.)
4 SENATOR KENNEDY: Our triple A
5 baseball team, the Buffalo Bisons, is the proud
6 affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. And close to
7 half of the travelers at the Buffalo Niagara
8 International Airport hail from southern Ontario
9 and other parts of Canada.
10 Today the New York State Senate
11 joins together to recognize our neighbors to the
12 north, the existing partnership we share, and the
13 bright future we have ahead of us.
14 Mr. President, thank you very much
15 for this opportunity. And if you could please
16 give our distinguished guests all the courtesies
17 of the house.
18 Thank you.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: To our
20 guests from Canada, I welcome you on behalf of
21 the Senate. We extend to you all of the
22 privileges and courtesies of this house. Please
23 rise and be recognized.
24 (Standing ovation.)
25 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
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1 resolution was previously adopted on April 9th.
2 Senator Gianaris.
3 SENATOR GIANARIS: Mr. President,
4 can we stick with Senator Kennedy and recognize
5 him for an introduction.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
7 Kennedy for an introduction.
8 SENATOR KENNEDY: Thank you very
9 much, Mr. President.
10 It's a great honor and privilege of
11 mine to introduce a group of gentlemen that have
12 graced us with their presence here in the gallery
13 here this afternoon.
14 All the way from Buffalo and Western
15 New York we have representatives of the Good
16 Government Club, which is a group of individuals,
17 most of whom if not all of them come from Italian
18 heritage and descent.
19 A tremendous group, an organization
20 that works very hard throughout the community,
21 leaders in every aspect of society that come
22 together and that work across all party lines to
23 ensure that our government is functioning at
24 every single level to the level that it should
25 and the level that our communities across this
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1 great state respectively deserve.
2 So I just want to take the
3 opportunity to thank the members of the
4 Good Government Club for being here with us this
5 afternoon and look forward to a wonderful evening
6 with each and every one of you.
7 Thank you so much, Mr. President.
8 And if you could once again grant to these
9 individuals all the courtesies and privileges of
10 the house.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: To our
12 guest from the Good Government Club, I welcome
13 you on behalf of the Senate. We extend to you
14 all of the privileges and courtesies of this
15 house. Please also rise and be recognized.
16 (Standing ovation.)
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
18 Gianaris.
19 SENATOR GIANARIS: Mr. President,
20 the previous resolution recognizing Canada Day is
21 open for cosponsorship.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
23 resolution is open for cosponsorship. Should you
24 choose not to be a cosponsor of the resolution,
25 please notify the desk.
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1 Senator Gianaris.
2 SENATOR GIANARIS: Can we now take
3 up the reading of the calendar.
4 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
5 Secretary will read.
6 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
7 172, Senate Print 2705, by Senator Kennedy, an
8 act to amend the Executive Law and the
9 Agriculture and Markets Law.
10 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
11 the last section.
12 THE SECRETARY: Section 5. This
13 act shall take effect immediately.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
15 the roll.
16 (The Secretary called the roll.)
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
18 Little to explain her vote.
19 SENATOR LITTLE: Thank you,
20 Mr. President.
21 And I would like to explain my vote
22 just because I think there's a lot more that
23 needs to be done about therapy dogs -- and this
24 one expands to cats -- for persons with a
25 disability.
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1 I've had hotel owners talk to me
2 that it's very, very difficult when someone comes
3 in with a dog -- and they can be any size -- and
4 comes up and says, "This is my therapy dog. I
5 need this dog." They don't have an obvious
6 disability, but they claim they have a mental
7 disability -- anxiety, depression, things like
8 that.
9 And then other people see the person
10 going to the room with a dog and wonder why they
11 didn't bring their dog too, or their -- and I
12 can't imagine how you could decide that you could
13 do this, have a therapy cat in a hotel room and
14 then rent it out afterwards.
15 So I'm definitely a no vote on this.
16 But I would really and truly like to
17 see us look at somehow registering that you have
18 a therapy animal, dog, and making sure that it's
19 legitimate and certified and that you have
20 something to show when you register in a hotel or
21 a bed-and-breakfast or an inn, because it is
22 definitely becoming a problem.
23 And therefore I vote no.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
25 Little to be recorded in the negative.
4186
1 Announce the results.
2 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
3 Calendar Number 172, those Senators voting in the
4 negative are Senators Akshar, Amedore, Antonacci,
5 Flanagan, Griffo, Helming, Jacobs, Jordan,
6 Little, Ortt and Ritchie.
7 Ayes, 47. Nays, 11.
8 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
9 bill is passed.
10 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
11 207, Senate Print 2979A, by Senator Gaughran, an
12 act to incorporate the Volunteer Exempt
13 Firefighter's Benevolent Association of
14 Huntington Manor and providing for its powers and
15 duties.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
17 the last section.
18 THE SECRETARY: Section 8. This
19 act shall take effect immediately.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
21 the roll.
22 (The Secretary called the roll.)
23 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
24 Announce the results.
25 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 58.
4187
1 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
2 bill is passed.
3 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
4 266, Senate Print 3599, by Senator Parker, an act
5 to amend the Public Service Law and the State
6 Finance Law.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
8 the last section.
9 THE SECRETARY: Section 5. This
10 act shall take effect on the 90th day after it
11 shall have become a law.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
13 the roll.
14 (The Secretary called the roll.)
15 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
16 Announce the results.
17 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
18 Calendar Number 266, those Senators voting in the
19 negative are Senators Akshar, Antonacci, Jacobs,
20 O'Mara and Ortt.
21 Ayes, 53. Nays, 5.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
23 bill is passed.
24 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
25 284, Assembly Print Number 2225A, substituted
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1 earlier by Assemblymember Cahill, an act to amend
2 the Executive Law.
3 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
4 the last section.
5 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
6 act shall take effect immediately.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
8 the roll.
9 (The Secretary called the roll.)
10 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
11 Announce the results.
12 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 58.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
14 bill is passed.
15 Calendar Number 370 is high and will
16 be laid aside for the day.
17 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
18 382, Senate Print 3476, by Senator Gallivan, an
19 act in relation to creating the Jamison Road
20 Volunteer Fire Benevolent Association, Inc.
21 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
22 the last section.
23 THE SECRETARY: Section 8. This
24 act shall take effect immediately.
25 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
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1 the roll.
2 (The Secretary called the roll.)
3 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
4 Announce the results.
5 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 58.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
7 bill is passed.
8 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
9 407, Senate Print 2960B, by Senator Kaplan, an
10 act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
12 the last section.
13 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
14 act shall take effect on the 180th day after it
15 shall have become a law.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
17 the roll.
18 (The Secretary called the roll.)
19 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
20 Announce the results.
21 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 58.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
23 bill is passed.
24 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
25 422, Senate Print 1672A, by Senator Brooks, an
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1 act to amend the Mental Hygiene Law.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
3 the last section.
4 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
5 act shall take effect on the 120th day after it
6 shall have become a law.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
8 the roll.
9 (The Secretary called the roll.)
10 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
11 Announce the results.
12 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 58.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
14 bill is passed.
15 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
16 423, Senate Print 1674, by Senator Skoufis, an
17 act to amend the Executive Law.
18 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
19 the last section.
20 THE SECRETARY: Section 3. This
21 act shall take effect on April 1, 2020.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
23 the roll.
24 (The Secretary called the roll.)
25 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
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1 Ortt to explain his vote.
2 SENATOR ORTT: Yes, thank you,
3 Mr. President.
4 I'm going to be voting no on this.
5 It's not because I disagree with the intent of
6 the bill. I suspect the intent of the bill is
7 very laudable.
8 As someone who was the chair of the
9 Mental Health and Developmental disabilities
10 Committee for four years, we've passed some
11 really good legislation in this house to help
12 families and individuals with a developmental
13 disability.
14 But we have an entire office for
15 people with developmental disabilities, scores of
16 individuals who spend -- their every task is to
17 try and improve the lives of those who are
18 affected with a DD or their family members.
19 We also created the Justice Center
20 several years ago, which was also tasked with
21 providing oversight of facilities around the
22 state that were there to serve people with
23 developmental disabilities.
24 I don't know that creating another
25 office, creating more bureaucracy, is the
4192
1 solution. I think if we're still seeing
2 challenges -- and we are -- we have to focus on
3 making OPWDD better. We have to fix the areas
4 within these agencies to make the lives of folks
5 that they are supposed to serve better.
6 I don't think that creating more
7 government oversight or more government
8 bureaucracy is going to get us any further along
9 to what I would assume is the sponsor's goal.
10 I think everyone here shares that
11 goal. We all have an obligation to improve the
12 lives of those who we are tasked with protecting
13 as well as -- you know, those who have
14 developmental disabilities, whether it's an
15 intellectual or a developmental disability or
16 their families, we have a sacred obligation to do
17 that. I just don't think this bill is going to
18 move the needle at all.
19 And so for those reasons,
20 Mr. President, I vote no.
21 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
22 Ortt to be recorded in the negative.
23 Senator Skoufis to explain his vote.
24 SENATOR SKOUFIS: Thank you very
25 much, Mr. President.
4193
1 And the points of my colleague are
2 well-taken, and I share his position that I
3 wouldn't want to see duplicative government.
4 But I do need to point out for my
5 colleagues that in no way does this duplicate any
6 existing services. Many years ago there used to
7 be a state Office for the Advocate for People
8 with Disabilities here in New York State. It was
9 disbanded. As it stands right now, there is no
10 place at a state agency level for a person with
11 physical disabilities to turn to.
12 And that's what this office is for,
13 people with physical disabilities. If you are
14 deaf, if you are blind, if your mobility is
15 impaired, there is no agency-level office or
16 department in our state government for you to
17 turn to for support and services. That's what
18 this bill seeks to reestablish.
19 My understanding is the Assembly is
20 also passing this bill today as well. And I
21 would encourage my colleagues to support it, and
22 let's reestablish this important department.
23 Thank you.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
25 Skoufis to be recorded in the affirmative.
4194
1 Announce the results.
2 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
3 Calendar Number 423, those Senators voting in the
4 negative are Senators Antonacci, Flanagan,
5 Griffo, Jacobs, Jordan, Little, O'Mara and Ortt.
6 Ayes, 51. Nays, 8.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
8 bill is passed.
9 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
10 494, Assembly Print Number 2118, substituted
11 earlier by Assemblymember Hunter, an act to amend
12 the Real Property Law.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
14 the last section.
15 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
16 act shall take effect immediately.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
18 the roll.
19 (The Secretary called the roll.)
20 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
21 Sepúlveda to explain his vote.
22 SENATOR SEPÚLVEDA: Thank you,
23 Mr. President, for allowing me to explain my
24 vote.
25 I want to thank Senator
4195
1 Stewart-Cousins, our leader, for allowing me to
2 bring this bill to the floor, and my colleagues
3 for supporting it.
4 As current law states, individuals
5 who experience sudden accidents that lead to a
6 drastic disability must continue to pay rent
7 while simultaneously seeking alternative housing
8 when their current housing no longer accommodates
9 them because of their needs and their disability.
10 If an individual that is disabled
11 can no longer live independently, then that
12 person should have the right to leave their
13 unsuitable housing without having to continue
14 their lease.
15 This legislation covers any change
16 in one's disability status that may render their
17 current housing unsuitable, as well as any
18 situation where a better option, such as an
19 assisted living facility or subsidized housing,
20 becomes available.
21 We want to be able to provide a
22 situation where someone who's disabled can move
23 to a residence house or any kind of suitable
24 housing without having to bear the cost of
25 continuously paying their rent.
4196
1 So as protecting people with
2 disabilities is one of our main prioritize, we
3 must take action and safeguard their well-being
4 and allow them to live in a condition where they
5 can thrive.
6 I vote affirmatively.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
8 Sepúlveda to be recorded in the affirmative.
9 Announce the results.
10 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
12 bill is passed.
13 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
14 555, Senate Print 5110, by Senator Harckham, an
15 act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: There
17 is a home-rule message at the desk.
18 Read the last section.
19 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
20 act shall take effect immediately.
21 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
22 the roll.
23 (The Secretary called the roll.)
24 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
25 Announce the results.
4197
1 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
2 Calendar Number 555, those Senators voting in the
3 negative are Senators Akshar, Antonacci, Jordan
4 and Seward.
5 Ayes, 56. Nays, 4.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
7 bill is passed.
8 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
9 569, Senate Print 4159, by Senator Kennedy, an
10 act to amend the Local Finance Law.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: There
12 is a home-rule message at the desk.
13 Read the last section.
14 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
15 act shall take effect immediately.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
17 the roll.
18 (The Secretary called the roll.)
19 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
20 Announce the results.
21 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
23 bill is passed.
24 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
25 601, Senate Print 2244B, by Senator Sanders, an
4198
1 act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
3 the last section.
4 THE SECRETARY: Section 6. This
5 act shall take effect immediately.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
7 the roll.
8 (The Secretary called the roll.)
9 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
10 Announce the results.
11 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
13 bill is passed.
14 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
15 606, Senate Print 3467, by Senator Ritchie, an
16 act to amend the Public Authorities Law.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
18 the last section.
19 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
20 act shall take effect immediately.
21 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
22 the roll.
23 (The Secretary called the roll.)
24 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
25 Announce the results.
4199
1 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
3 bill is passed.
4 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
5 643, Assembly Print Number 1646, substituted
6 earlier by Assemblymember Hunter, an act to amend
7 the Multiple Residence Law.
8 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
9 the last section.
10 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
11 act shall take effect immediately.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
13 the roll.
14 (The Secretary called the roll.)
15 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
16 Announce the results.
17 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
18 Calendar Number 643, those Senators voting in the
19 negative are Senators Akshar, Amedore, Gallivan
20 and Serino.
21 Ayes, 56. Nays, 4.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
23 bill is passed.
24 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
25 657, Senate Print 5476, by Senator Addabbo, an
4200
1 act to amend the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and
2 Breeding Law.
3 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
4 the last section.
5 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
6 act shall take effect immediately.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
8 the roll.
9 (The Secretary called the roll.)
10 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
11 Announce the results.
12 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
14 bill is passed.
15 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
16 687, Senate Print 1631, by Senator Skoufis, an
17 act to amend the General Business Law.
18 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
19 the last section.
20 THE SECRETARY: Section 3. This
21 act shall take effect immediately.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
23 the roll.
24 (The Secretary called the roll.)
25 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
4201
1 Skoufis to explain his vote.
2 SENATOR SKOUFIS: Thank you very
3 much, Mr. President.
4 In 2013, 18-year-old Anthony Amoros
5 from Haverstraw, in Rockland County, was on his
6 way to work when he tragically lost his life in a
7 car accident. He died because the air bags in
8 his car failed to deploy. They failed to deploy
9 because, unbeknownst to Anthony at the time he
10 purchased the car, the air bags had been
11 previously removed.
12 In response to this tragedy, we are
13 advancing the Anthony Amoros Law today to save
14 lives and ensure consumers have full knowledge of
15 an air bag status. Any car sold at auction will
16 be required under this bill to disclose a
17 nonfunctional or nonexistent air bag.
18 Anthony's family is here today, and
19 I'm honored to host them in our chamber while we
20 pass this lifesaving bill named after their
21 beloved son and family member. With us are his
22 parents, Alberto and Ivis Amoros, and his
23 brother, Anthony's brother, Angelo Amoros.
24 I wanted to thank each of them for
25 turning an unthinkable tragedy into a crusade to
4202
1 save other New Yorkers. You all got us to this
2 point, and an entire state will soon benefit from
3 your unyielding commitment.
4 Thank you, Mr. President. I vote in
5 the affirmative.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
7 Skoufis to be recorded in the affirmative.
8 Senator Carlucci to explain his
9 vote.
10 SENATOR CARLUCCI: Thank you,
11 Mr. President.
12 I want to thank Senator Skoufis for
13 passing this important legislation today and,
14 most importantly, thank the Amoros family for
15 your dedication, your commitment, for taking this
16 tragedy and turning it around to make sure that
17 other families don't have to suffer the way that
18 you have.
19 So I just want to thank you for your
20 commitment. For those of you that don't know,
21 the Amoros family has been a driving force in
22 fighting to make sure that awareness is made, and
23 safety, in protecting people in these types of
24 situations. So I want to thank the Amoros family
25 for their commitment to our community, for the
4203
1 work that you've done.
2 Thanks, Senator Skoufis, for passing
3 this legislation, and all of my colleagues for
4 supporting it. I'll be voting in the
5 affirmative.
6 Thank you, Mr. President.
7 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
8 Carlucci to be recorded in the affirmative.
9 Announce the results.
10 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
11 Calendar Number 687, those Senators voting in the
12 negative are Senators Amedore, Antonacci,
13 Gallivan, Helming, Jordan, Ranzenhofer, Ritchie,
14 Serino and Seward.
15 Ayes, 51. Nays, 9.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
17 bill is passed.
18 Calendar 695 is high and will be
19 laid aside for the day.
20 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
21 719, Senate Print 1650, by Senator Skoufis, an
22 act to amend the Civil Rights Law.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
24 the last section.
25 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
4204
1 act shall take effect July 1, 2020.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
3 the roll.
4 (The Secretary called the roll.)
5 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
6 Announce the results.
7 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
8 Calendar Number 719, those Senators voting in the
9 negative are Senators Akshar, Amedore, Antonacci
10 and Lanza.
11 Ayes, 56. Nays, 4.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
13 bill is passed.
14 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
15 720, Senate Print 1821, by Senator Rivera, an act
16 to amend the Social Services Law.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
18 the last section.
19 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
20 act shall take effect on the 180th day after it
21 shall have become a law.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
23 the roll.
24 (The Secretary called the roll.)
25 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
4205
1 Announce the results.
2 THE SECRETARY: In relation to
3 Calendar Number 720, voting in the negative:
4 Senator Seward.
5 Ayes, 59. Nays, 1.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
7 bill is passed.
8 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
9 728, Senate Print 4080B, by Senator Savino, an
10 act to amend the Labor Law and the State Finance
11 Law.
12 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
13 the last section.
14 THE SECRETARY: Section 4. This
15 act shall take effect immediately.
16 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
17 the roll.
18 (The Secretary called the roll.)
19 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
20 Savino to explain her vote.
21 SENATOR SAVINO: Thank you,
22 Mr. President.
23 This day has been a long time
24 coming. New York State is certainly behind 30
25 other states in developing a rigorous licensing
4206
1 standard for elevator repairmen and mechanics and
2 developing safety standards so that all
3 New Yorkers can feel safe when they get into an
4 elevator or onto a people-mover or an escalator.
5 This bill has been kicking around
6 this Legislature for a very long time. At one
7 point it had 51 sponsors in this body and still
8 could not get to the floor of this Legislature.
9 Senator Krueger was the original
10 sponsor of this bill. Senator Bonacic carried it
11 for years. I'm looking at Senator Boyle; he's
12 got a smile on his face because he knows it's
13 finally coming to the floor.
14 There are so many people whose lives
15 are going to be improved by this, not just people
16 who ride on elevators -- and by the way, New York
17 City has more elevators than any city in the
18 country -- but the people who work there.
19 Of the many deaths that occur and
20 injuries that occur in the construction industry,
21 there are none more than on elevators. I just
22 want to give you some statistics.
23 Between 1992 and 2009, of all
24 workers that were injured or killed on the job,
25 elevator construction operators were 10 times the
4207
1 number of everybody else. That's how dangerous
2 this work is.
3 And finally we are going to be
4 establishing a standard statewide and for the
5 City of New York as well so that we are licensing
6 them, we are making sure that they are trained
7 properly, that they know what they're doing, that
8 they are safe on the job and that we are safe
9 when we step onto an elevator or an escalator or
10 a people-mover.
11 I want to thank all of my colleagues
12 who helped move this bill to the floor. It's
13 been a long time coming. Now we've got to get it
14 through the Assembly and we will finally get it
15 passed and New York State will be a leader again
16 in safety for workers and for everyone.
17 Thank you, Mr. President.
18 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Senator
19 Savino to be recorded in the affirmative.
20 Announce the results.
21 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
22 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
23 bill is passed.
24 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
25 739, Assembly Bill Number 6344A, substituted
4208
1 earlier by Assemblymember Gunther, an act in
2 relation to making available information
3 regarding the process for individuals to obtain
4 eligibility for services offered by the Office
5 for People With Developmental Disabilities.
6 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
7 the last section.
8 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
9 act shall take effect on the 90th day after it
10 shall have become a law.
11 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
12 the roll.
13 (The Secretary called the roll.)
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
15 Announce the results.
16 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
18 bill is passed.
19 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
20 747, Senate Print 3675, by Senator Gounardes, an
21 act to amend the Retirement and Social Security
22 Law.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
24 the last section.
25 THE SECRETARY: Section 3. This
4209
1 act shall take effect immediately.
2 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
3 the roll.
4 (The Secretary called the roll.)
5 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
6 Announce the results.
7 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
8 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
9 bill is passed.
10 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
11 750, Senate Print 4488A, by Senator Gounardes, an
12 act to amend the Administrative Code of the City
13 of New York.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
15 the last section.
16 THE SECRETARY: Section 5. This
17 act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.
18 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
19 the roll.
20 (The Secretary called the roll.)
21 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
22 Announce the results.
23 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
25 bill is passed.
4210
1 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
2 759, Senate Print 4269, by Senator Rivera, an act
3 to amend the Public Health Law.
4 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
5 the last section.
6 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
7 act shall take effect immediately.
8 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
9 the roll.
10 (The Secretary called the roll.)
11 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
12 Announce the results.
13 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
15 bill is passed.
16 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
17 774, Assembly Print Number 316, substituted
18 earlier by Assemblymember Seawright, an act to
19 amend the Public Authorities Law.
20 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
21 the last section.
22 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
23 act shall take effect immediately.
24 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
25 the roll.
4211
1 (The Secretary called the roll.)
2 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
3 Announce the results.
4 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
5 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
6 bill is passed.
7 THE SECRETARY: Calendar Number
8 824, Senate Print 5538, by Senator Brooks, an act
9 directing the commissioner of the Office for
10 People with Developmental Disabilities to conduct
11 a study on the feasibility of allowing the use of
12 debit cards.
13 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Read
14 the last section.
15 THE SECRETARY: Section 2. This
16 act shall take effect immediately.
17 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: Call
18 the roll.
19 (The Secretary called the roll.)
20 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN:
21 Announce the results.
22 THE SECRETARY: Ayes, 60.
23 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
24 bill is passed.
25 Senator Gianaris, that completes the
4212
1 reading of today's calendar.
2 SENATOR GIANARIS: Mr. President,
3 can we return to motions.
4 On behalf of Senator Ramos, on
5 page 35 I offer the following amendments to
6 Calendar 639, Senate Print 4030, and ask that
7 said bill retain its place on the Third Reading
8 Calendar.
9 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: The
10 amendments are received, and the bill shall
11 retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar.
12 SENATOR GIANARIS: Is there any
13 further business at the desk today?
14 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: There
15 is no further business at the desk.
16 SENATOR GIANARIS: I move to
17 adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, May 30th, at
18 11:00 a.m.
19 ACTING PRESIDENT BENJAMIN: On
20 motion, the Senate stands adjourned until
21 Thursday, May 30th, at 11:00 a.m.
22 (Whereupon, at 4:20 p.m., the Senate
23 adjourned.)
24
25