Senate Transportation Committee advances most bills; congestion-pricing repeal defeated

The New York State Senate Standing Committee on Transportation, chaired by State Senator Jeremy Cooney, considered 23 bills in a regularly scheduled meeting. Most measures were reported out of committee or referred to other committees for further consideration; one prominent measure to repeal congestion pricing in New York City failed to advance.

Committee Chair State Senator Jeremy Cooney opened the session and confirmed a quorum before the clerk read bills aloud. The committee moved a range of items including bills to establish a work‑zone safety fund, increase penalties for certain traffic offenses, authorize distinctive license plates, and create a road salt reduction council.

Why it matters: Several bills will proceed to the Senate Finance, Codes, or Corporations committees, where they may receive further amendment or debate. The committee’s rejection of the congestion‑pricing repeal (S533) keeps the current congestion‑pricing framework intact at the committee level.

Votes at a glance (selected bills discussed and committee outcomes):

- S346 (Cooney) — “An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the transportation law in relation to work‑zone safety and to amend the state finance law in relation to establishing the work zone safety fund.” Motion moved and seconded; the committee referred the bill to Finance.

- S533 (Martins) — “An act … in relation to congestion pricing in New York City and repealing certain provisions … and commissioning an independent forensic audit of the…