Assembly passes bill to confirm New York courts’ general jurisdiction over businesses that register here

Assemblymember Lunsford sponsored and the Assembly passed A.8303, an amendment to New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules, clarifying that corporations, limited liability companies and other entities that register with the New York Secretary of State to do business in New York “consent” to general jurisdiction in New York courts. The Assembly recorded 99 ayes and 46 noes; the bill passed and "This act shall take effect January 1," the clerk read, with no year specified in the floor text.

Supporters said the bill restores the state’s longstanding practice before federal cases narrowed general jurisdiction. "This bill is actually relatively simple," Lunsford told the Assembly, saying the change returns New York law to its pre‑Daimler approach and reflects recent U.S. Supreme Court guidance such as Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway. Lunsford said the statute limits potential plaintiffs to those with a nexus to New York — residents, New York‑domiciled businesses, or foreign businesses registered…