Policy
New York City
‘Freeze the rent’ dominated the Democratic mayoral primary. This year, tenants are staring down a rent hike.
The city’s Rent Guidelines Board is poised to approve a rent hike on rent-stabilized tenants on Monday. Presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani will argue it’s the last one New Yorkers will see for the next four years.
New York City
Adams and Adams announce $116 billion FY 26 NYC budget
The agreement includes funding for immigrant legal services, extended library hours at 10 branches, a universal child care pilot and new staff to enforce e-bike regulations.
Events
Calling for responsible growth as downstate gears up for new casinos
Both state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo and Assembly Member Carrie Woerner spoke at City & State’s Trailblazers in Casinos and Sports Betting event.
Energy & Environment
Environmentalists are not on board with Hochul’s new nuclear plant
Green energy advocates were quick to denounce the governor’s plan to build a nuclear facility to provide zero-emission energy as a distraction from real clean solutions
New York City
What does the future hold for Hart Island?
Journalists were given a tour of the potter’s field, and upcoming plans will outline potential improvements to the island.
Policy
Court of Appeals upholds Kingston’s rent control policies
The decision from New York’s highest court will likely embolden other upstate cities that want to adopt rent control but have been scared off by lawsuits from landlord groups.
Policy
Zohran Mamdani’s 3 bills
The democratic socialist Assembly member has championed ambitious reforms, with limited success in getting them enacted into law.
Policy
Hochul promises ‘fight’ over immigration, but has little to show for it
After the arrest of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, the governor announced funding already included in the state budget and declined to back a measure to increase legal representation for immigrants in court.
Energy & Environment
As session ends, Assembly acts on environmental legislation
The Assembly eliminated incentives for natural gas hook-ups and is expected to pass a bill to reduce plastic waste.
Immigration
Amid increased ICE raids, state Legislature fails to act on sanctuary state bill
The New York for All Act, which would prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, didn’t even make it to a vote in the state Senate.
Albany Agenda
Heading home, here’s what lawmakers got done in the last legislative week
The state Senate and Assembly passed hundreds of bills in the final days of the legislative session. These are some of the most important.
Albany Agenda
Former Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell on track to join state parole board
During his long career in the state Legislature, O’Donnell supported expanding parole – and soon, he’ll get to decide who deserves it.
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Policy
Parole and sentencing reform left out of omnibus prison reform bill
Criminal justice advocates are chafing at the exclusion of measures they say are necessary to respond to Robert Brooks’ death in a truly meaningful way.
Health Care
Religious groups urge Hochul to kill Medical Aid in Dying bill
The controversial Medical Aid in Dying legislation has finally made it through both the Assembly and the state Senate, but the governor could still veto it.
Albany Agenda
The bills to watch in the final week of session
Prison reforms, a packaging reduction bill and the Grieving Families Act could all come up for a vote before the Legislative session ends.
Policy
NYC Council charter commission wants to up funding for oversight agencies
The 17-member panel is concerned about making sure the watchdogs can keep investigating.
Policy
Turo car-share app pushes bill to reduce insurance requirements
State Sen. James Skoufis and Assembly Member David Weprin are sponsoring a bill that would treat car-share apps the same as rental car companies.
Technology
‘Little tech’ lobby starts campaign against AI regulation bills
The American Innovators Network is warning about unintended consequences of the RAISE Act and other legislation regulating AI companies.
Immigration
Can NY stop ICE from arresting immigrants at federal courthouses?
Existing state law only limits arrests at state courthouses, and it’s not clear the state Legislature has the power to stop arrests in federal buildings.
Albany Agenda
Faith leaders urge Assembly to pass packaging reduction bill
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act just passed the state Senate but faces intense opposition from the plastics industry and some business leaders.
