Senate clears package of statutory amendments; Senator Rodes objects to proposed state code-enforcement authority

The New York State Senate on April 10 completed a reading of the calendar and approved multiple bills amending state statutes, including measures affecting the Executive Law, Public Housing Law, the Penal Law, Civil Rights Law, Social Services Law and Public Health Law.

Calendar 370 (an act to amend the Executive Law) was taken up and passed with Ayes 42 and Nays 9 recorded. Several other bills on the morning's calendar, including Calendar 598 (Public Housing Law, Sen. May) and other statutory changes, were read and passed; numerous roll calls recorded Ayes 52 for those measures.

During consideration of Calendar 600 (Sen. Skoufis), Senator Rodes was recognized to explain his negative vote. Rodes argued the bill "raises serious constitutional concerns under Article 9 of the New York State Constitution and municipality home rule law" because it would allow a state-run code enforcement program to supersede locally established municipal code enforcement programs. He said the bill could permit out-of-jurisdiction officers unfamiliar with local codes to enforce rules without appreciation for local processes and decisions, and that he would be voting no.

Senator Gianaris and the chamber proceeded through the rest of the calendar. The Rules Committee report was presented and accepted; amendments to third-reading bills were received and will retain place on the calendar. The supplemental calendar was taken up later in the session.

Why it matters: The objections raised by Senator Rodes focus on the balance between state authority and municipal home rule, a recurring legal and policy question when state legislation affects local governance and enforcement powers.

What's next: The bills passed on April 10 will take effect on the dates specified in their final sections (several immediately, some with later effective dates). The Senate reconvenes April 15, 2026.