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New York Senate adopts a slate of bills; lawmakers add Middle Eastern/North African classification to state data
Summary
On Jan. 27, 2025, the New York State Senate advanced and passed multiple bills from its calendar, including a measure enabling a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) racial/ethnic option in state data collection; most measures passed unanimously or by large margins during roll-call votes.
The New York State Senate met in session on Jan. 27, 2025, and took up its legislative calendar, voting to pass a series of bills across education, social services, business and other state laws. Senators completed roll-call votes on multiple calendar items; several measures passed unanimously by voice or roll call, and a handful drew recorded no votes.
Why it matters: The calendar included routine enactments that amend state codes and one notable policy change: a bill to recognize Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) as a distinct classification in New York State data and forms. Senate consideration and passage of these measures will affect statutory language, state reporting and program administration once enacted.
Senate action and key outcomes
Votes at a glance (as announced on the floor): - Calendar No. 11 (Assembly Bill A1020, read as substituted for identical Senate bill): Passed. Clerk…
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