Assembly advances multiple bills on consent, including organ-donation referrals and library safety

The New York State Assembly met in floor session March 5 and adopted a series of resolutions and consent bills, including measures to require coroner referral protocols for out-of-hospital organ and tissue donation and to bolster safety protections for library staff and patrons.

Members spoke briefly in support of several bills before recorded votes. Miss Walsh, explaining her affirmative vote on the county-law amendment to facilitate organ and tissue donations, said the measure will require coroners and coroner physicians to develop referral protocols to identify donors who die outside hospitals and to "promptly place a call or a text" to eye and tissue banks so organizations can verify donor registry status and determine suitability. Miss Warner added that eye and tissue donation "for every donation can change lives or save lives for 70 people," urging support for the change.

A library-safety bill that would create workplace protections for library employees also drew statements from members. Miss Walsh said libraries are often open public spaces where disruptive behavior and difficult custodial exchanges occur and that the bill is necessary to protect staff and patrons. Miss Kaye said several libraries in her district were struggling with safety and supported the measure as a way to restore quiet and learning environments.

The Assembly also moved to recognize cultural and community matters on the floor. Mister Zaccaro described passage of a bill establishing Little Yemen as a cultural district, saying the designation "proudly recognizes the Yemeni American community and the contributions that they have made." Miss People Stokes presented a resolution mourning the death of Jonathan A. Dandis and delivered remarks about his community leadership in Western New York; the House adopted that resolution as well.

Votes at a glance

- Assembly No. 6824-b (county law; organ and tissue donation referral protocol): Ayes 123, Noes 0 — passed. Members described the bill as requiring coroners to notify appropriate eye and tissue banks when people die outside hospitals so donation opportunities can be assessed and pursued.

- Assembly No. 69,003-b (labor/library safety protections): Ayes 128, Noes 0 — passed. Sponsors and supporters said the measure will provide workplace protections and protocols for libraries and library staff.

- Assembly No. 7,033-d (arts and cultural affairs — Little Yemen cultural district): Ayes 129, Noes 0 — passed. The sponsor said the bill designates Little Yemen as a cultural district in recognition of Yemeni American contributions.

- Assembly No. 7,125 (state finance law — procurement contracting pieces to aid smaller businesses): Ayes 133, Noes 0 — passed. Members said breaking large procurement contracts into smaller pieces could allow smaller businesses to compete for portions of state contracts.

- Assembly No. 7,301-b (general business law; effect on specified day): Ayes 136, Noes 0 — passed (recorded on consent calendar).

- Assembly No. 7,345-a (criminal procedure law): Ayes 133, Noes 6 — passed.

- Assembly No. 7,529 (criminal procedure law): Ayes 132, Noes 8 — passed.

- Assembly No. 7,627-b (Veterans Services Law): Ayes 140, Noes 0 — passed.

Several other bills on the consent calendar were laid aside for later consideration, and the clerk read additional resolutions that the House adopted by voice vote. Members introduced visiting guests, including Corin Smith, a basketball coach and mentor, and students from the Stars and Stripes Club at Summers High School; the Assembly extended floor privileges to each.

The House also adopted a resolution mourning Jonathan A. Dandis, with Miss People Stokes delivering extended remarks about his local leadership and community contributions.

The session concluded with an announcement that the majority conference would meet immediately after session in Hearing Room C. On Miss People Stokes' motion, the Assembly stood adjourned until Friday, March 6, and was scheduled to reconvene Monday, March 9 at 2 p.m.