Bills to keep an eye on as session draws to a close
Medical Aid in Dying Act Awaits Governor's Decision
The Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients, has passed both chambers of the New York State Legislature and is now awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to sign or veto it. If signed, the law would take effect immediately [1][3].
Senate sponsor, state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, has expressed optimism about Governor Hochul signing the bill, but she has not explicitly stated her position on the measure or assisted suicide more generally [5].
The Assembly has tacked on a few extra days to complete its work, with the final days scheduled for next Tuesday [2]. The bill faces opposition from the Catholic Church, the Business Council of New York State, the plastics industry, and the Teamsters, among others [4].
Prison and Parole Reforms
The FY 2025 Final Budget includes allocations of funds for prison and parole reforms, such as $345,000 for grants to support cognitive behavioral programs in county jails and houses of correction, and at least $130,000 to improve coordination between the Department of Correction and the Parole Board aimed at reducing delays in parole releases [2]. Reports on participation, outcomes, and delay comparisons are mandated to be submitted by March 3, 2025, indicating active legislative attention and implementation efforts on prison reforms and parole processing improvement.
Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act
Environmental advocates are pushing for the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which aims to reduce plastic packaging in the state by 30% over the next 12 years. However, no clear status was found for this bill in the 2025 legislative session [4]. One related mention is LD 1065, an Act regarding the reduction and recycling of food waste, but it is unclear if this directly corresponds to the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act or if it is a related but separate measure. More detailed or recent information would be needed to confirm the current status of packaging-specific recycling legislation.
Controversial Bill and Scale-Back Alternative
The Medical Aid in Dying Act remains controversial due to ethical and religious concerns, and it faces strong opposition from various groups. A scaled-back alternative bill with industry support has been introduced, which could impact support for the original bill backed by environmentalists [1].
Robert Brooks Blueprint for Justice and Reform
The Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus has unveiled the Robert Brooks Blueprint for Justice and Reform, which includes nearly two dozen bills focused on prison reform. The state Senate is set to finish its work on Thursday, with final voting expected to bleed into Friday [6].
Race Against Time
Lawmakers are racing to get as many of their priorities done this year, as they may have to wait another six months to try again (barring a special session later to address federal spending cuts) [7]. This includes passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which has already passed in the state Senate and advocates are optimistic that it will pass in the Assembly for the first time this year [8]. This marks the first time the Medical Aid in Dying Act has passed in both the New York State Senate and Assembly after years of advocacy.
[1] Assembly passes Medical Aid in Dying Act
[2] NY State Budget includes funds for prison and parole reforms
[3] Senate passes Medical Aid in Dying Act
[4] Search for Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act in 2025 legislative session yields no clear results
[5] Governor Hochul's position on Medical Aid in Dying Act unclear
[6] NY State Senate set to finish work on Thursday
[7] NY State legislature in crunch to pass measures before session ends
[8] Advocates optimistic about Medical Aid in Dying Act passing in Assembly for the first time
- The FY 2025 Final Budget includes funds for prison and parole reforms, such as cognitive behavioral programs, and there is an ongoing legislative attention and implementation efforts regarding the Robert Brooks Blueprint for Justice and Reform, which includes nearly two dozen bills focused on addressing criminal justice and policy-and-legislation.
- The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act is a legislative proposal aimed at reducing plastic packaging in the state, but its status in the 2025 legislative session remains unclear, and there is ongoing advocacy for its implementation as part of the general-news and infrastructure discussions.
