State Politics

The NYS assembly wrapped up their final session day around midnight last night, closing out the scheduled legislative session for the year. Of course, we won't be surprised to see legislators called back to Albany later this year to respond to Federal actions.

Three bills CCBH supports passed both houses this session and will head to Gov. Hochul's desk, hopefully for her approval. Those bills are:

• S.7622 (Brouk)/A.8045 (Bronson): extends the diagnostic privilege deadline for licensed mental health professionals from next week until June 2027. Read our memo of support here (link pdf) and please send a message to the Governor ASAP (https://www.ccbhny.org/advocacy-center) to urge her to sign the bill.

• S.7001 (Mayer)/A.7616 (Paulin): Reforms and improves the state’s process for contracting with non-profit entities, including eliminating loopholes that have enabled the state to avoid paying interest on delayed payments

• S.6897-A (Bailey)/A.7038-A (Weprin): Requires OMH and OASAS to establish fee schedules for Article 31 and…

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado just announced he will run for Governor in 2026, against Gov. Kathy Hochul. Here is his announcement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SUnnVhcgug

This Times Union article gives an overview of the increasingly strained Hochul-Delgado relationship over the past couple years, as well as reactions to Delgado's announcement: https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/lt-gov-antonio-delgado-challenge-hochul-20357775.php?utm_source=capconstack&utm_medium=email