Senate commerce committee reports six bills, including Harriman Campus plan and vacant-storefront registry

The New York State Senate standing committee on commerce, economic development and small business voted to report six bills on its agenda, advancing local liquor-license measures to the floor and sending economic development proposals to the finance committee.

The committee, chaired by Senator Sean Ryan, first referred S.1613-A — a bill directing the Empire State Development Corporation, in conjunction with the Office of General Services, to prepare plans for mixed-use commercial and residential development and a redesign of part of the Harriman Campus — to the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Chris Ryan moved the referral and Senator Baskin seconded the motion. The committee chair called the question and the bill was reported to finance.

Three local bills introduced by Senator Skoufis (S.6416), Senator Skoufis (S.6417) and Senator Skoufis (S.6418) — each amending the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to provide for retail liquor licenses at specified premises and addressing proximity to houses of worship — were reported to the Senate floor. Motions to move those measures were made and seconded; the committee recorded one “without recommendation” on S.6416 and Senator Martinez recorded “without recommendation” on both S.6417 and S.6418.

The committee also referred S.6626 (sponsored by Senator Baskin), an amendment to the Economic Development Law to establish a public online registry of vacant commercial storefronts, to the finance committee. Senators Murray and Chan recorded votes “without recommendation” on that bill. During discussion Senator Baskin said the measure would be useful and suggested adding incentives to encourage municipal participation; the committee noted that rulemaking and verification processes would be developed by the economic development agency in consultation with the Department of State if the bill moves forward.

All six measures were reported out of committee. Most actions proceeded by voice vote; specific recorded “without recommendation” votes are noted above.

Votes at a glance

- S.1613-A (Harriman Campus redevelopment): referred to Finance. Motion: Senator Chris Ryan; second: Senator Baskin. Reported to Finance. - S.6416 (local ABC law, retail liquor license): moved to floor. Motion: Senator Perla; second: Senator Murray. 1 without recommendation (unspecified). - S.6417 (local ABC law, retail liquor license): moved to floor. Motion: Senator Borrello; second: Senator Murray. Senator Martinez without recommendation. - S.6418 (local ABC law, retail liquor license): moved to floor. Motion: Senator Borrello; second: Senator Murray. Senator Martinez without recommendation. - S.6626 (vacant commercial storefront registry): referred to Finance. Motion: Senator Ryan; second: Senator Murray. Senators Murray and Chan without recommendation. - Media jobs tax credit / business-entity definition bill (sponsor: Senator Oyleman Seagal): moved to the floor. Motion: Senator Ryan; second: Senator Baskin. Reported (see separate article for detailed discussion).

Why it matters: The bills forwarded to finance will require fiscal review before moving ahead; the local ABC law measures, once reported to the floor, may be considered by the full Senate. The vacant-storefront registry bill aims to create a public resource for communities and economic-development actors; committee members discussed incentives and agency rulemaking necessary to verify and maintain the registry.

The committee concluded with a reminder that additional local bills may be brought forward later in the legislative session.