Weekly Legislative Update - May 2, 2025

Floor News

Emergency Appropriation Extenders

The Assembly and Senate passed two bills this week (A.8095 [vote: 149-0] and A.8115 [vote: 140-0]) in order to provide emergency appropriations for the support of the government from April 1 through May 7.

Medical Aid in Dying

The Assembly passed a bill (A.136) allowing a terminally ill adult to receive life-ending medications for self-administration from their attending physician after having their terminal illness and mental capacity confirmed by a second physician (vote: 81-67).

Non-Electronic Notarial Record Keeping

The Assembly passed a bill (A.7683), which exempts non-electronic notarial acts from being required to be recorded or maintained in a notarial record (vote: 146-0). In 2023, this bill was originally introduced and sponsored by former Assemblyman, Hon. Michael J. Norris (A.6207).

Child-Sensitive Arrest Practices

The Assembly and Senate passed a bill (A.813) that enacts a chapter amendment to Chapter 648 of the Laws of 2024, which directs the State Police and the DCJS Municipal Police Training Council to develop and disseminate to State and local law enforcement policies and procedures regarding child-sensitive arrest practices when the parent, guardian, or

legal caregiver of a child less than 18 is arrested. This chapter amendment replaces the requirement that such policies and procedures must “ensure the identification and safety of the child” with language that such policies and procedures must “address situations” where the arrestee is responsible for the care and custody of a child under 18 (vote:112-33).

“Energy Services Company Consumers Bill of Rights”

The Assembly and Senate passed a bill (A.3875) expanding upon the “Energy Services Company Consumers Bill of Rights” to mandate numerous additions to ESCO customer billing statements, including mandating that they list information to which ESCOs are not typically privy (vote: 134-11).

Committee News

Codes

Despite unanimous Republican opposition, the Codes Committee reported a bill (A.4869) that significantly expands the Judicial Diversion Program for certain felony drug offenders. Allows the court to divert any “eligible defendant” who has a “qualifying diagnosis” to a judicial diversion program to receive “treatment” in lieu of criminal prosecution. Eligible offender means a person charged with any misdemeanor or felony, except for class A (non-drug)felonies or certain class B felony sex offenses (unless the court and prosecutor deem otherwise). Qualifying diagnoses can include depressive disorders, PTSD, and substance-induced disorders. Prohibits treatment from being provided in a carceral setting or a forensic hospital. This bill was reported to Ways and Means.

Environmental Conservation

Despite unanimous Republican opposition, the Environmental Conservation Committee reported a bill (A.1354), which prohibits the idling of any passenger vehicle for more than three consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion. Makes a first violation subject to a warning and any subsequent violation subject to a civil penalty up to $150.This bill was reported to Codes.

Banks

Despite unanimous Republican opposition, the Banks Committee reported a bill (A.5167),which creates a Banking Development District Working Group to assess and provide recommendations and future goals for the Banking Development District Program. Directs the Superintendent of Financial Services to impose an assessment on bank branches located within banking development districts to cover all costs associated with this Working Group.This bill was reported to Ways and Means.

Racing and Wagering

The Racing and Wagering Committee reported a bill (A.6745-A) declaring that on-line, real money “sweepstakes games” constitute illegal gambling. Makes violations subject to a fine of$10,000-$100,000 per violation.This bill was reported to Codes.

Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Despite unanimous Republican opposition, the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee reported a bill (A.953-A) enacting the "Consumer Utility Protections During Investigations Act" or “CUPDI” Act. Restricts the ability of utilities providing residential and commercial gas, electric, gas-electric, and steam service from charging late fees, interest, or penalties amid Public Service Commission (PSC) investigations into the utility. Prohibits residential services from being shut off during the period from the commencement of an investigation until 120 days after a determination has been issued by the PSC.This bill was reported to Codes.

The Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee reported the following bills:

A.1906: Directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to establish a bed bug infestation notification system providing notice to subway, train, and bus travelers within24 hours’ discovery of an infestation. Allows notifications to be transmitted via the MTA’s website, e mail, or text message.This bill was reported to the Floor.

A.5969-A: Mandates the obtainment of actual meter readings by all utilities and municipalities providing residential gas, electric, and steam service, reserving the existing statutory exceptions warranting bill estimation, along with the submission, within six months, of a revised model procedure for calculating estimated bills.This bill was reported to Ways and Means.

Week In Focus

Deceased Members Resolution On April 30, the Assembly adopted a Resolution (K.405) honoring deceased Assemblymembers from 2021- 2025.