The New York State Assembly on the floor adopted Assembly Resolution 8 26, a rules change that divides debate and explanation-of-vote time evenly between the two conferences for most bills.

Miss People Stokes sponsored the resolution, which the clerk read as "Assembly number 8 26." The measure restructures time allocations on regular bills so each conference receives equal total debate time and equal time to explain votes, with narrow exceptions for budget bills, proposed constitutional amendments, and bills agreed to by the speaker and minority leader.

Opponents argued the change curtails deliberation and transparency. Miss Walsh said the new rule "means that on debate of a regular bill, the Republican conference will now have a maximum of 2 hours total debate and a maximum of 30 minutes to explain our votes," and warned that cutting debate risks losing contemporaneous legislative history that courts may consult. Assemblymember Gandolfo said the chamber has "cut back on debate" over time and urged colleagues to reject the proposal, quoting James Madison: "a popular government without popular information... is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy."

Supporters moved the resolution to a party vote. The clerk recorded the outcome as Ayes 98, Nays 45. With that tally, the Assembly adopted Resolution 8 26.

The change will alter how members allocate floor time on most bills; the resolution text includes exemptions for certain categories (budget bills, concurrent constitutional amendments, and bills agreed by leadership). Proponents said the change balances efficiency with floor management; opponents said it will diminish members’ ability to develop a public legislative record. The Assembly proceeded to take up the consent calendar after the vote.