New York State Legislature

The New York State Legislature passed a bill to replace gendered terms like 'mother' and 'father' with 'gestating parent' and 'non-gestating parent' in state law. The bill has faced criticism from Republicans and some religious groups, while supporters argue it reflects modern family structures and prioritizes parental conduct in child-related recognition and care.

The Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act, passed by New York's Legislature three years ago, was vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul under pressure from prosecutors. After revisions, the Senate passed the bill, but Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie blocked it from being voted on in the Assembly, halting its progress.

The state legislature passed Kyra’s Law, a bill requiring courts to thoroughly assess domestic violence and child abuse allegations in custody and visitation decisions. Named after Kyra Franchetti, a toddler killed by her father during a court-approved visit, the law aims to prevent dangerous custody arrangements by evaluating risk factors like stalking and violence. The legislation also establishes a statewide supervised visitation initiative and expands oversight of child welfare agencies.

New York lawmakers passed a one-year moratorium on new large data centers, requiring an environmental impact report and setting a 20-megawatt threshold for projects to be evaluated. The measure awaits Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul's approval.

The New York State Legislature passed a one-year moratorium on data centers to pause permits. The law requires new rules for utilities, energy efficiency goals, community benefits, and labor standards for new data centers.

The New York State Legislature passed a bill to impose a 12-month freeze on permits for data centers. If signed by the governor, it would establish the first statewide moratorium in the nation, reflecting pushback against the rapid construction of power-intensive facilities.

The New York State legislature is close to approving a one-year moratorium on new data centers, but uncertainty remains due to the legislature's schedule and Gov. Kathy Hochul's mixed signals about the measure. The legislation is sponsored but its passage is not yet confirmed.

New York Democrats are advancing a proposal to amend the state constitution to ease redistricting for the 2028 elections, requiring two legislative approvals over two years before a voter referendum. The plan would allow maps to be passed by legislative simple majority and tighten deadlines for a redistricting commission, while Republicans accuse Democrats of corrupting the process.

Albany legislators have passed a sweeping immigration package promoted by Gov. Kathy Hochul that restricts ICE operations in New York. The measures prevent police from cooperating with immigration authorities on civil offenses, bar ICE from most public spaces, and prohibit officers from wearing masks.

New York City is considering a tax on the rich, which may drive them away. The city needs to balance its budget and consider the potential consequences of such a tax. The tax could impact the city's economy and residents.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul claims to have a budget deal, but Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie denies it, saying nothing is final. The proposed budget includes protections for undocumented immigrants and changes to the environmental review process. The financial details of the budget are still being worked out.

Governor Kathy Hochul faces legislative opposition over her proposal to limit auto accident lawsuits, which aims to reduce insurance costs but is criticized by lawmakers who argue it undermines injured drivers' rights. The state budget delay highlights tensions between Hochul and legislators, with accusations of obstructionism and conflicting interests over campaign donations.