End of session: What's passed and what's still on the table

Plus: The state is expected to file a charge over the correction officers strike "any day now."

Good afternoon — it’s Wednesday and Corn on the Cob Day.

In today’s CapCon:

• There’s a lot of bills to sort through for the end of session. Here are a few that have already passed, including a ban on fracking fluids on roads.

• There’s also a lot still on the table, including Attorney General Letitia James’ top legislative priority and a higher short-term disability benefit.

• The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act now has the votes to pass the Assembly, its sponsor said Wednesday.

• A charge is expected to be filed by the state “any day now” against the union representing correction officers after the weeks-long strike this year.

Names in today’s CapCon: Kathy Hochul, Deborah Glick, Micah Lasher, Leroy Comrie, Tish James, Harry Bronson, Timothy Connick, James Skoufis

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(Will Waldron/Times Union)

✋ What’s passed and what’s still on the table for the end of the legislative session

The Legislature is working like a well-oiled machine, approving a marathon of bills in both chambers as lawmakers prepare to conclude this year’s legislative session.

There are quite a few bills under consideration in both chambers. The Senate is still expected to gavel out for the year on Thursday, though that may stretch into early Friday morning depending on how quickly they make it through their final list of bills.

I have quite a few updates for you on bills that are, or were, being considered by lawmakers, including the packaging reduction bill, short-term disability, and new consumer protections. Buckle in.

✅ Here’s a collection of bills that have passed both chambers

It’s easy to miss when a bill makes it through both chambers this time of year. Either chamber gave final passage to 70 bills yesterday alone. That’s a lot to sort through.

But that’s why you subscribe to CapCon. I’m keeping an eye on things for you.

Disparate impact standard: The Senate is expected to pass a bill today (S4067) that would codify what’s called the "disparate impact” standard into the state Human Rights Law. It’s already passed in the Assembly.

That would allow discrimination claims to be brought based on the outcome of an action rather than the intent. State law right now requires that the alleged discrimination be intentional. This would allow discrimination claims, even if the result wasn’t planned.

(ProfessionalStudioImages/Getty Images)

Cost-sharing for inhalers: Asthmatics, rejoice. This bill (A128A) would require health insurers to fully cover the cost of at least one rescue inhaler and one maintenance inhaler. Co-pays would not be allowed and deductibles would not apply.

It’s now passed both chambers. If signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, it would take effect in 2027.

Fracking fluids on roads: As municipalities search for alternatives to salt for de-icing roads, one idea that’s emerged in recent years is using fluids, brine and flowback water from natural gas extraction, including high-volume hydraulic fracturing.

That practice, called “fracking,” was banned in New York because Democrats were concerned it would result in contamination and pollution. This bill (A4725) would ban the use of fracking fluids on roads in New York.

This would take effect six months after it’s signed into law by Hochul if she approves it. She vetoed it in 2021.