The 2025 legislative session officially ended earlier this month—at least for now—with the Assembly adjourning just after midnight on Wednesday, June 18. The Senate gaveled out early in the morning of June 12.
Here are the final numbers: 16,765 bills were introduced. Of those, 995 passed the Assembly, 1,743 passed the Senate, and 856 passed both houses. These bills now head to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk for final consideration.
Retainage
S.4750 (Martinez)/A.2212 (Braunstein) – This NRLA priority bill passed again in the Assembly with only nine “no” votes. It also moved out of the Senate Procurement and Contracts Committee and into Senate Finance. Despite efforts to advance it to Senate Rules—working with Senate leadership and central staff—the bill did not progress further. However, movement out of committee represents meaningful progress.
S.5655 (C. Ryan)/A.5405 (Hunter) – A separate retainage bill passed both houses. This legislation voids provisions in construction contracts that conflict with the statutory 5% retainage cap. Win.
Trees Act
S.7203 (Krueger)/A.8673 (Glick) – This bill passed the Senate. NRLA worked closely with Senate Minority members to prepare for floor debate and also invested time working both sides of the Assembly. Ultimately, the Assembly sponsor prioritized other environmental bills, which ran out the clock. Win.
Credit Card Swipe Fees
S.5587 (Skoufis)/A.4017 (McDonald) – NRLA participated in a joint lobby day with NFIB and the Restaurant Association. The bill received bipartisan support but did not make it out of committee in either house. NRLA will work with sponsors during the off-session and may explore outreach to the Governor’s office. Ongoing.
Temp Act
S.3412 (Ramos)/A.3527 (Bronson) – The bill passed the Senate. NRLA had continued conversations with Assemblymember Bronson regarding proposed amendments. In the end, the Assembly sponsor believed there was not enough time to consider amendments and pass the bill before adjournment. Conversations will continue during the off-session. Importantly, a veto will not be necessary this year. Win.
Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule Delay
S.5931 (Cooney)/A.6359 (Lupardo) – While the bill seeking a two-year delay did not pass, its introduction added pressure on the Governor and DEC. Additionally, President Trump signed resolutions repealing the ACT Rule at the federal level, effectively nullifying it in states that adopted California’s emissions model. Win.
Unemployment Insurance
The state budget includes a significant win for employers and workers. With the state paying off its federal unemployment loan, the weekly UI benefit cap will rise from $504 to $869 starting in October. Win.
Amazon Warehouse Bill
S.1180-B (Gianaris)/A.3575-B (Mitaynes) – This bill, which would establish indirect source review for certain warehouses, uses broad definitions that would include most building supply businesses. It passed the Senate but remained in Assembly Ways and Means, thanks to strong opposition. Win.
Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
S.172 (Ramos)/A.84 (Solages) – This bill would increase short-term disability benefits. It passed the Senate but remained in the Assembly Labor Committee. NRLA worked with other business groups to prevent further action. Win.
HEAT Act
S.4158 (Krueger)/A.4870 (Simon) – The New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act would align utility regulation with state climate goals. This bill did not move in either house. Win.
FAIR Act
S.8416 (Comrie)/A.8427-A (Lashar) – This bill, backed by the Attorney General, would expand the AG’s authority over business practices deemed “unfair, deceptive, or abusive.” Despite opposition, the bill passed and heads to the Governor. Advocacy for a veto will be needed. Ongoing.
Wrongful Death
S.4423 (Hoylman-Sigal)/A.6063 (Lunsford) – This bill allows surviving family members to recover compensation for grief and anguish in wrongful death cases. While it passed again, Gov. Hochul has vetoed it three years in a row. We hope to make it four. Pending.
Unfair Competition
NRLA is well-positioned on the unfair competition issue. During Lobby Day, we raised concerns about the use of child labor by Amish competitors and the impact on the retail lumber industry. Legislative interest is growing. The next step is to complete our investigation and follow up with legislative and state agency partners, including the Department of Labor, Tax Department, and Governor’s office.