New York’s 2025 legislative session concluded just after 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18th. The Senate wrapped up its work on June 13, around the time that the session was originally scheduled to conclude for both houses.
The legislative session in Albany is normally measured in two phases: budget time, which runs until sometime around the April 1 budget deadline, and post-budget, which runs from when the budget is done until the end of session. Traditionally, the post-budget phase lasts about eight weeks. However, this year’s post-budget phase was significantly truncated because of the late State budget. The State budget was not finalized until May 9, which meant it was 38 days late, marking the latest State budget since 2010. The late state budget created challenges for the legislature to address a myriad of policy priorities, but both houses did pass several high priority proposals.
The legislature addressed concerns about the increasing role of artificial intelligence by passing the Responsible AI Safety and Education Act (“RAISE Act”), which requires companies developing advanced AI models to develop safety plans related to automated crimes, bioweapons, and other perceived risks related to this emerging technology. It also includes disclosure requirements and protections of whistleblowers. If signed by the Governor, the bill would take effect 90 days after being signed.
In addition, the legislature passed a significant expansion of the authority of the Attorney General related to fair business practices. Called the Fostering Affordability and Integrity Through Reasonable Business Practices Act (the FAIR Act), it expanded the General Business Law to also cover “unfair” and “abusive” acts or practices, not just “deceptive” acts or practices. Attorney General Letitia James developed the legislation to respond to her concern about the rollbacks of consumer protections at the federal level, which made it a top priority for her. The business community expressed concerns that provisions and definitions were overly broad and would open New York businesses to increased legal challenges. The business community will now work with the Governor’s office to oppose the legislation or to advance chapter amendment language to provide more certainty regarding the scope of the legislation.
Two other high-profile issues were also addressed in the final days of the legislative session. One of those issue was the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would allow a terminally ill patient to request and use medication for medical aid in dying. First introduced a decade ago, and years of intense lobbying efforts, it passed in both houses after never passing either house before. It is unclear where the Governor will land on this proposal. The other high-profile issue was related to prison safety after two inmate deaths and security concerns at state prison facilities over the past few months. These deaths led to both houses approving a package of prison reform proposals. Among those proposals was a requirement for the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to turn over all body camera footage to the Attorney General when an officer is involved in an inmate death and a requirement for correctional facilities to install and maintain security cameras. It is anticipated that the Governor will sign this package of proposals into law.
Another high-profile piece of legislation that received significant attention was related to packaging waste. Extended Producer Reliability (EPR) would require producers of packaging to fund a system whereby packaging is properly recycled and reused. Environmental groups strongly supported this legislation, along with localities that argued that they unfairly had to bear the cost of such waste. The bill would also ban certain chemicals and materials in packaging products. Industry and business groups opposed this legislation, raising concerns that this bill would increase the price of consumer goods in New York. In the end, this legislation was passed the Senate in May and made it to the floor of the Assembly but [did] not secure final passage. Environmental groups will continue to prioritize this as a critical issue for the legislature to address.
We will be in touch in the coming days regarding specific legislative issues of importance to you. As discussed previously, the Senate and Assembly will likely return in the Fall to deal with the fiscal impact of the final adopted federal budget. Many anticipate that New York will need to address significant funding cuts in several areas including healthcare, transportation and public health.
We will keep you posted on all developments of importance. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
