@nysendems.bsky.social
News from the #NYSenate Democratic Conference.
We have continued to pass legislation to protect New York's consumers, which includes supporting recently enacted legislation to ban the sale of Kratom to individuals under 21 years of age and to regulate the labeling of Kratom products in our state.
January 5, 2026 at 6:08 PM
We have continued to pass legislation to protect New York's consumers, which includes supporting recently enacted legislation to ban the sale of Kratom to individuals under 21 years of age and to regulate the labeling of Kratom products in our state.
“Preserving hair during chemotherapy treatment is essential and helps [people] hold onto a sense of identity and normalcy as a person, not a cancer patient.” — Senator Stavisky
www.newyorkfamily.com/new-health-c...
www.newyorkfamily.com/new-health-c...
3 New Health Care Laws: Here’s What’s Covered for NY
Governor Hochul recently signed new laws aimed at health care affordability for New Yorkers.
www.newyorkfamily.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:12 PM
“Preserving hair during chemotherapy treatment is essential and helps [people] hold onto a sense of identity and normalcy as a person, not a cancer patient.” — Senator Stavisky
www.newyorkfamily.com/new-health-c...
www.newyorkfamily.com/new-health-c...
“Kathy Hochul just gave New Yorkers a $600 million Christmas present by signing our bill to repeal the 100-foot rule. This is a massive win for New York’s gas customers, and for clean air and a livable climate.” — Senator Liz Krueger www.longisland.com/news/12-31-2...
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation To Eliminate Unfair Utility Subsidy That Passes The Buck For New Residential Gas Hookups To All Customers
Legislation S.8417/A.8888 Will Do Away With Outdated 100-Foot Rule for Natural Gas Hookups That Cost New Yorkers Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Each Year.
www.longisland.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:03 PM
“Kathy Hochul just gave New Yorkers a $600 million Christmas present by signing our bill to repeal the 100-foot rule. This is a massive win for New York’s gas customers, and for clean air and a livable climate.” — Senator Liz Krueger www.longisland.com/news/12-31-2...
“I have lots … of memories of the mayor, Sean Ryan, representing his constituencies with integrity … I have memories of our new mayor, identifying opportunity, identifying patent, identifying potential, and turning it into greatness.” — Senator April Baskin www.btpm.org/local/2026-0...
Sean Ryan officially becomes the new Mayor of Buffalo in New Year's Day ceremony
For the first time in 20 years, the City of Buffalo held an inauguration ceremony for a newly elected mayor, as Sean Ryan took his oath of office.
www.btpm.org
January 5, 2026 at 3:57 PM
“I have lots … of memories of the mayor, Sean Ryan, representing his constituencies with integrity … I have memories of our new mayor, identifying opportunity, identifying patent, identifying potential, and turning it into greatness.” — Senator April Baskin www.btpm.org/local/2026-0...
“ Senator Skoufis introduced the bill on Dec. 5 with 20 other Democrats as co-sponsors, making up about half of the Senate's majority party members.”
www.lohud.com/story/news/p...
www.lohud.com/story/news/p...
Will NY move primaries to Super Tuesday to impact presidential races?
A new bill in Albany would move New York's presidential primaries to Super Tuesday in March instead of April to give the state more nominating clout
www.lohud.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:06 PM
“ Senator Skoufis introduced the bill on Dec. 5 with 20 other Democrats as co-sponsors, making up about half of the Senate's majority party members.”
www.lohud.com/story/news/p...
www.lohud.com/story/news/p...
“As I prepare to begin a new chapter in public service, I want to thank the residents of the 61st District and all the communities I have represented for their support, encouragement, and honest feedback over the years.” — Senator Sean Ryan
www.wgrz.com/article/news...
www.wgrz.com/article/news...
Mayor Elect Ryan officially submits letter of resignation to NYS Senate
Mayor Elect Sean Ryan is officially resigning as Senator on December 31 at 11:59 p.m.
www.wgrz.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:50 PM
“As I prepare to begin a new chapter in public service, I want to thank the residents of the 61st District and all the communities I have represented for their support, encouragement, and honest feedback over the years.” — Senator Sean Ryan
www.wgrz.com/article/news...
www.wgrz.com/article/news...
“What does [incarceration] do to the families? What does it do to the communities? What does it do to the mental health of the kids and spouse's abilities to thrive?” — Senator Rachel May
www.waer.org/news/2025-12...
www.waer.org/news/2025-12...
New York State lawmakers will revisit three prison reform bills a year after Robert Brooks' death
Lawmakers are reconsidering prison sentencing and rehabilitation with the Earned Time Act, the Marvin Mayfield Act, and the Second Look Act.
www.waer.org
December 31, 2025 at 1:48 PM
“What does [incarceration] do to the families? What does it do to the communities? What does it do to the mental health of the kids and spouse's abilities to thrive?” — Senator Rachel May
www.waer.org/news/2025-12...
www.waer.org/news/2025-12...
"At a time when so many are working hard to make ends meet and feeling their own financial pressures, and while the cost of diapers is so high, I continue to witness the best of our community.” — Senator Shelley Mayer
westfaironline.com/newsmakers/n...
westfaironline.com/newsmakers/n...
NYS Senator Delivers Donated Diapers to Diaper Bank
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer, left, and Deborah Blatt, executive director of the Sharing Shelf. New York State Senator Shelley
westfaironline.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
"At a time when so many are working hard to make ends meet and feeling their own financial pressures, and while the cost of diapers is so high, I continue to witness the best of our community.” — Senator Shelley Mayer
westfaironline.com/newsmakers/n...
westfaironline.com/newsmakers/n...
“ … It is more important than ever that our schools equip the next generation with the truth, free from bias, and without prejudice, in order to protect our democracy.” — Senator Liu
www.amny.com/education/ja...
www.amny.com/education/ja...
NYS lawmakers push bill mandating public schools teach lessons on Jan. 6 Capitol riots
A bill in the NYS legislature would require instruction in public schools on the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.
www.amny.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM
“ … It is more important than ever that our schools equip the next generation with the truth, free from bias, and without prejudice, in order to protect our democracy.” — Senator Liu
www.amny.com/education/ja...
www.amny.com/education/ja...
“What this means for all of these restaurant owners and bar owners is potentially five to ten thousand dollars per year in savings. Money kept in their pockets, not having to spend on the surcharges and up charges by large alcohol distributors.” — Senator Skoufis
nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politi...
nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politi...
Gov. Hochul Signs a Bill To Allow Certain Retailers To Buy and Resell Wine and Liquor
Gov. Hochul Signs a Bill To Allow Certain Retailers To Buy and Resell Wine and Liquor.
nynow.wmht.org
December 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
“What this means for all of these restaurant owners and bar owners is potentially five to ten thousand dollars per year in savings. Money kept in their pockets, not having to spend on the surcharges and up charges by large alcohol distributors.” — Senator Skoufis
nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politi...
nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politi...
“Senator James Skoufis hosted his annual stuffed animal giveaway, giving away nearly 700 stuffed animals to children across Orange County ahead of the holiday season.”
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/26/s...
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/26/s...
Senator spreads holiday cheer with annual stuffed animal giveaway - Mid Hudson News
MIDDLETOWN- Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall) hosted his annual stuffed animal giveaway, giving away nearly 700 stuffed animals to children across Orange County ahead of the holiday season. With toy...
midhudsonnews.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:36 PM
“Senator James Skoufis hosted his annual stuffed animal giveaway, giving away nearly 700 stuffed animals to children across Orange County ahead of the holiday season.”
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/26/s...
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/26/s...
“A new amendment to public health law, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, in New York State, will expand organ donation authority beyond family members for the first time … Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton … voted for the change.”
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
This major change to N.Y. organ donation law could save thousands of lives next year
“Allowing close friends to honor a loved one’s wishes and give the gift of life is an act of dignity and love."
www.silive.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:35 PM
“A new amendment to public health law, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, in New York State, will expand organ donation authority beyond family members for the first time … Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton … voted for the change.”
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
“Introduced by Senator Gounardes in February 2025 … the bill amends the general business law and mental hygiene law.” www.webpronews.com/new-york-law...
New York Law Mandates Mental Health Warnings on Social Media for Minors
New York has enacted a law requiring social media platforms to display mental health warnings for minors on addictive features like infinite scrolling and algorithmic feeds, highlighting risks such as...
www.webpronews.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:35 PM
“Introduced by Senator Gounardes in February 2025 … the bill amends the general business law and mental hygiene law.” www.webpronews.com/new-york-law...
“The bill was sponsored by State Senator Jabari Brisport … with the governor’s signature, New York will become the third state — after Texas and California — to ban or discourage anonymous reporting.”
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/27/n...
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/27/n...
NY bans anonymous child abuse reports to prevent misuse as harassment
New York will switch to a practice of confidential, instead of anonymous, reporting of child abuse and neglect.
www.nydailynews.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
“The bill was sponsored by State Senator Jabari Brisport … with the governor’s signature, New York will become the third state — after Texas and California — to ban or discourage anonymous reporting.”
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/27/n...
www.nydailynews.com/2025/12/27/n...
“Impairment is impairment, no matter the substance. When someone gets behind the wheel while under the influence, lives are put in danger …” — Senator Chris Ryan
iheartoswego.com/during-drugg...
iheartoswego.com/during-drugg...
iHeart Oswego - During Drugged Driving Awareness Month, Senator Ryan Pushes Legislation to Modernize New York’s Impaired Driving Laws
As December marks National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (also known as Impaired Driving Prevention Month), State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) is renewing his call for action on le...
iheartoswego.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:33 PM
“Impairment is impairment, no matter the substance. When someone gets behind the wheel while under the influence, lives are put in danger …” — Senator Chris Ryan
iheartoswego.com/during-drugg...
iheartoswego.com/during-drugg...
Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Merry Christmas!
“Senator Lea Webb visited Kampai Japanese Steakhouse in Vestal last week to bestow upon it a state resolution commemorating its 50th anniversary. Webb also presented Kampai with the Senate’s Empire Award.” www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Kampai celebrates 50th Anniversary
VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The State of New York is recognizing a pioneer local eatery for its half century of delighting diners and marking special occasions. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and State Se...
www.yahoo.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:28 PM
“Senator Lea Webb visited Kampai Japanese Steakhouse in Vestal last week to bestow upon it a state resolution commemorating its 50th anniversary. Webb also presented Kampai with the Senate’s Empire Award.” www.yahoo.com/news/article...
“This memorial recognizes and honors the sacrifices all Gold Star Families have undertaken when their brave military sons and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.” — Senator Pete Harckham rocklandtimes.com/2025/12/23/g...
Gold Star Family License Plate Unveiled | The Rockland County Times
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has proudly unveiled its new Gold Star Family license plate that enables parents, siblings and other relatives to honor their late relatives’ service an...
rocklandtimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:25 PM
“This memorial recognizes and honors the sacrifices all Gold Star Families have undertaken when their brave military sons and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.” — Senator Pete Harckham rocklandtimes.com/2025/12/23/g...
“I’m thrilled to share that my team successfully fought to get a new speed bump … here in Bay Ridge. … A huge thank you to the local students and parents who organized to make this happen. Now, the street will be safer for all of us.” — Senator Andrew Gounardes brooklynreporter.com/2025/12/dot-...
DOT installs speed bump on Bay Ridge street following October car crash - The Brooklyn Home Reporter
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) installed a speed bump on the same Bay Ridge street where an accident occurred …
brooklynreporter.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:22 PM
“I’m thrilled to share that my team successfully fought to get a new speed bump … here in Bay Ridge. … A huge thank you to the local students and parents who organized to make this happen. Now, the street will be safer for all of us.” — Senator Andrew Gounardes brooklynreporter.com/2025/12/dot-...
“Survivors must be given empowering support to rebuild their life, and to grow and heal.” — Senator Cleare www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
New York is the latest state to provide relief for victims of coerced debt
“Domestic violence is rarely limited to physical abuse,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, who sponsored the new law.
www.motherjones.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:56 PM
“Survivors must be given empowering support to rebuild their life, and to grow and heal.” — Senator Cleare www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
"Keeping our police officers healthy is not only the right thing to do by them, but also ensures better protection and safety in our communities.” — Senator James Skoufis midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/21/h...
Hochul signs police mental health counseling law - Mid Hudson News
NEW YORK – Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act, establishing formal and confidential peer-to-peer support counseling but sets exceptions for the disclo...
midhudsonnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:09 PM
"Keeping our police officers healthy is not only the right thing to do by them, but also ensures better protection and safety in our communities.” — Senator James Skoufis midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/21/h...
"Our legislation requires transparent and public reporting on utility capital expenditures. … New Yorkers deserve fair rates grounded in facts, and this new law gives us the leverage to push back against unchecked utility increases.” — Senator Michelle Hinchey
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/21/u...
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/21/u...
Utility reform bill co-sponsored by Jacobson and Hinchey becomes law - Mid Hudson News
ALBANY – A bill that makes utility rate increase requests more transparent, co-sponsored by Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) and Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-41), has become law. Governor Kathy...
midhudsonnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:06 PM
"Our legislation requires transparent and public reporting on utility capital expenditures. … New Yorkers deserve fair rates grounded in facts, and this new law gives us the leverage to push back against unchecked utility increases.” — Senator Michelle Hinchey
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/21/u...
midhudsonnews.com/2025/12/21/u...
“[This law] builds on the crucial work we’ve done to create a statewide rape kit tracking system and enables stronger oversight to preserve the integrity of evidence collected during a sexual assault examination.” — Senator Andrew Gounardes
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
New York sexual assault survivors gain stronger evidence protections under new law
The state's new evidence handling law creates a survivor-centered approach that preserves rape kits for two decades.
www.silive.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:05 PM
“[This law] builds on the crucial work we’ve done to create a statewide rape kit tracking system and enables stronger oversight to preserve the integrity of evidence collected during a sexual assault examination.” — Senator Andrew Gounardes
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
www.silive.com/news/2025/12...
“The measure, [sponsored by Senator Gounardes and] signed into law late Friday after passing the Legislature earlier this year, will require platforms to warn users under 18 about the mental health risks linked to excessive [social media] use.” gothamist.com/news/new-yor...
New York will require warning labels on social media for teens
A new law aims to curb youth mental health harms by forcing platforms to display alerts about addictive design features.
gothamist.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:04 PM
“The measure, [sponsored by Senator Gounardes and] signed into law late Friday after passing the Legislature earlier this year, will require platforms to warn users under 18 about the mental health risks linked to excessive [social media] use.” gothamist.com/news/new-yor...
“I’m proud to sponsor this bill that brings transparency, accountability, and basic consumer protections to this industry, ensuring New Yorkers can pursue justice without sacrificing financial security.” — Senator Jeremy Cooney
fox40.com/business/pre...
fox40.com/business/pre...
fox40.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:03 PM
“I’m proud to sponsor this bill that brings transparency, accountability, and basic consumer protections to this industry, ensuring New Yorkers can pursue justice without sacrificing financial security.” — Senator Jeremy Cooney
fox40.com/business/pre...
fox40.com/business/pre...