NY State
Local news and civic information for NY State, New York
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Governor Hochul Has Until Feb. 6 to Sign Medical Aid in Dying Bill
The New York State Legislature has sent the Medical Aid in Dying bill to Governor Kathy Hochul for her signature by February 6, 2024. The bill legalizes medically assisted suicide for terminally ill adults with less than six months to live. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against this act on July 30, 2024, ruling that it does not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill's implementation is expected after legislative amendments next week.
Governor Hochul Announces Budget and Policy Initiatives for New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul has released her budget proposal for the fiscal year 2027, which includes funding for universal child care without increasing taxes. The initiative aims to make life more affordable for New Yorkers while expanding opportunities. Additionally, Governor Hochul highlights other policy achievements such as a statewide ban on smartphone use in K-12 schools during school hours and inflation refund checks sent to households across the state in fall 2025.
New York State Approves $268.5 Billion Budget Two Months Late
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-led New York legislature have finalized a $268.5 billion state budget nearly two months after its deadline, amid ongoing disputes over environmental issues. The budget includes measures to address high utility costs by enacting new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes, requiring companies to submit lower-cost alternatives, and enabling an independent affordability monitor if the Public Service Commission approves a rate increase above 3%. Additionally, eligible households will receive rebate checks of $150-$200 this fall. The budget also includes immigration protection measures prohibiting local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and banning formal agreements between local governments and ICE.
State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez Tours New York to Promote Data Center Bill
New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez is on a statewide tour from August 22 to 30 to promote the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which she sponsored and was passed by the state legislature this year. The bill aims to address local resistance against data centers. Governor Kathy Hochul has already imposed a one-year moratorium on new data center developments, but Senator Gonzalez is urging her to take further action. Meanwhile, the race for governor continues with both candidates making appearances at political events and addressing key issues such as immigration policies and mail-in ballot rules.
Governor Hochul Announces Budget Priorities and Initiatives for New York
Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the opening of the 2026 Great New York State Fair with a focus on agriculture and $119 million in investments to improve the fairgrounds. The governor's budget for fiscal year 2027 aims to fund universal child care without increasing taxes, marking historic investments in childcare services. Additionally, Governor Hochul highlighted her initiative to eliminate smartphone distractions in K-12 schools starting September 2025 and sent inflation refund checks up to $400 to 8.2 million households across New York State in fall 2025.
Hochul Marks Fifth Year as NY Governor Amid Criticism
New York Governor Kathy Hochul marked her fifth year in office this week. She took over from Andrew Cuomo five years ago and has since sought to establish herself as a collaborator rather than a strong-armed leader like her predecessor. During her tenure, she has faced criticism for using the state budget to make political statements on issues such as gun safety and immigration enforcement. In contrast to Cuomo’s press conferences during the COVID era, Hochul often surrounds herself with local stakeholders instead of just cabinet members, highlighting her approach to governance.
New York State Approves $268.5 Billion Budget Two Months Late
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-led New York legislature have finalized a $268.5 billion state budget nearly two months after its deadline, amid ongoing disagreements over environmental issues. The budget includes measures to address high utility costs by enacting new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes and allowing an independent affordability monitor if rates increase more than 3%. Additionally, the budget signed into law prohibits local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and bans formal agreements between local governments and ICE known as 287(g) agreements. A federal judge has also ruled in favor of New York's ban on these agreements while blocking a provision that would have prohibited ICE agents from wearing masks.
2026 State Legislative Session Dates Chart Released
MultiState has released a comprehensive guide tracking the 2026 state legislative session dates for all 50 states. The resource includes start and end dates of sessions, bill introduction deadlines, crossover deadlines, carryover provisions, and notes on special sessions or unique deadlines specific to each state. This information is crucial for government relations professionals, lobbyists, and policy advocates planning ahead for the legislative process. MultiState's tracking service simplifies following 50 state legislative sessions.
Governor Hochul Faces Deadline to Sign Medical Aid in Dying Bill
The Medical Aid in Dying bill, which legalizes medically assisted suicide for terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live, was sent to Governor Kathy Hochul on December 31. She has until February 6 to sign the bill, excluding Sundays and holidays. The Legislature is expected to pass chapter amendments next week. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against the Medical Aid in Dying Act days before it was set to go into effect, ruling that people with life-threatening disabilities do not belong to a protected class under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Advocates celebrated Medicaid and Medicare's 61st anniversary by calling for more action on affordable healthcare.
New York State Senator Launches Tour to Promote Data Center Development Act
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez announced a statewide tour from August 22 to August 30 aimed at advancing the Responsible Data Center Development Act. This measure, which she sponsored and was passed by the state legislature during this year's session, aims to regulate data center development in New York. Additionally, Assemblymember Gabriella Romero, the first Latina elected to represent upstate New York, discussed her successful tenure as a legislator despite facing challenges as both the youngest woman and an upstate Latina.
Governor Hochul Announces Elimination of Fees for SUNY Graduate Students
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the elimination of mandatory fees for graduate students working at State University of New York (SUNY) state-operated campuses. This initiative aims to make master's and doctoral degrees more affordable for students, thereby reducing financial burdens associated with higher education. Additionally, Governor Hochul highlighted a significant milestone in the partnership between SUNY Stony Brook and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, focusing on expanding New York State's quantum communications network.
Lawmakers Introduce Bills Despite Legislative Session's End and Upcoming Elections
Despite the legislative session ending and all bills needing to be reintroduced in January due to upcoming November elections, New York State lawmakers continue to introduce new legislation. Senator Pat Fahy introduced a bill for an Amber Alert-like Purple Alert system for individuals with disabilities who go missing. Another bill by Senator James Skoufis aims to prevent New Yorkers from covering life insurance costs originating from other states. Additionally, Fahy proposed expanding swimming lessons access for children with autism following the tragic death of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi in Menands.
Assemblymember Bronson Urges Governor to Sign Labor Bills
Democratic Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, Harry Bronson, has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a series of labor-related bills that passed during the legislative session. Despite the legislative session being over and all active bills needing to be reintroduced in January due to upcoming elections, lawmakers continue to introduce new legislation. This includes initiatives like Sen. Pat Fahy's Purple Alert bill for individuals with disabilities who go missing and Sen. James Skoufis' TEXAS Act aimed at preventing New Yorkers from paying life insurance costs originating from other states.
Governor Hochul Announces Budget Priorities and Policy Initiatives for New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul has outlined her budget priorities and policy initiatives in the 2026 State of the State Book. The governor's budget aims to fund universal child care without increasing taxes, while also making significant investments in various sectors. Additionally, she celebrated fairlife’s $650 million investment in a Monroe County facility that will create jobs and bolster New York’s dairy industry. Governor Hochul has enacted statewide restrictions on smartphone use during school hours for K-12 students to eliminate distractions and enhance learning environments. Furthermore, her administration sent inflation refund checks up to $400 to 8.2 million households across the state in fall 2025.
New York State Budget Signed After Delay; Includes Immigration and Utility Measures
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a $268.5 billion New York State budget nearly two months late after extensive negotiations with the Democrat-led legislature. The budget includes measures to limit cooperation between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prohibiting formal agreements known as 287(g) agreements and preventing local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE. Additionally, a federal judge ruled in favor of New York's ban on these agreements while blocking the state’s provision that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks. The budget also addresses high utility costs by enacting new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes, requiring companies to submit lower-cost alternatives, and allowing the Public Service Commission to install an independent affordability monitor if a rate request exceeds 3%. Eligible households will receive rebate checks of $150 to $200.
New York State Senator Launches Tour to Promote Data Center Act
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez has announced a statewide tour from August 22nd to 30th aimed at promoting the Responsible Data Center Development Act. This legislation, which she sponsored and was passed during this year's legislative session, is intended to regulate data center development in New York State. Additionally, there are several other political developments highlighted: a report on how opioid settlement funds will be spent across New York; concerns about declining public trust in the judiciary based on recent Gallup poll results; discussions around Governor Kathy Hochul’s relationship with her new campaign work and Lieutenant Governor Adrienne Adams; voter concerns over affordability issues ahead of November elections; subcontractors' worries that a new bill for delivery workers could put them out of business; and criticism within the Brooklyn Democratic Party regarding changes to its leadership structure.
Lawmakers Continue Introducing Bills Despite Upcoming Election Reset
Despite the legislative session being over and all bills needing to be reintroduced in January due to upcoming elections, New York State lawmakers are still introducing new legislation. Senator Pat Fahy has proposed a Purple Alert bill similar to Amber Alerts for individuals with disabilities who go missing, while Senator James Skoufis introduced the TEXAS Act to prevent New Yorkers from paying life insurance costs originating from other states. Additionally, Fahy introduced a bill aimed at expanding swimming lessons for children diagnosed with autism following the tragic death of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi in Menands.
Assemblymember Bronson Urges Governor to Sign Labor Bills
Democratic Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, Harry Bronson, has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a series of labor-related bills that passed during this year's legislative session. Despite the end of the current session and upcoming November elections requiring all active bills to be reintroduced in January, lawmakers continue to introduce new legislation. Additionally, other legislators are focusing on different issues such as Assemblyman Pat Burke’s call for an independent statewide investigation into child sexual abuse allegations within the Diocese of Buffalo following a recent arrest of a priest.
Governor Hochul Announces Budget Priorities and Policy Initiatives for New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul has outlined her budget priorities and policy initiatives in the 2026 State of the State Book. The budget includes funding for universal child care, without increasing taxes on residents. Additionally, Governor Hochul celebrated the start of production at fairlife's $650 million facility in Monroe County, which is expected to create jobs and bolster New York’s dairy industry. Other highlights include a statewide ban on smartphone use during school hours from September 2025 and inflation refund checks sent out to over eight million households across New York State.
New York State Budget Approves Immigration Protections and Utility Reforms
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a $268.5 billion state budget nearly two months late, addressing several key issues including immigration protections and utility costs. The budget includes measures to limit cooperation with ICE by prohibiting local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE and banning formal agreements between local governments and ICE (known as 287(g) agreements). Additionally, the budget addresses high utility costs through new reporting requirements for rate hikes, mandatory submission of lower-cost alternatives, and the potential installation of independent affordability monitors. Eligible households are also set to receive rebate checks ranging from $150 to $200 this fall.
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