New York State Legislature

Friday evening the state Assembly wrapped up its 2026 legislative session, a day after the state Senate. In many ways the legislative session was a typical one: The budget was late (the latest since 2010); lawmakers held campaign fundraising events in the Capital District; and hundreds of bills were approved at the end of session in a flurry of activity in both houses.

Now well over a month late, it appears that Governor Hochul and state lawmakers are on a path to finish off the budget, which was due on April 1st. Since the final budget agreement will be the latest since 2010, the tardiness will squeeze the time available to tackle non-budget topics.

Rachel Reilly, of the Hinckle United Tenants Union, is among advocates pushing the state Legislature to pass the Rent Emergency Stabilization Act.

WAMC's David Guistina in conversation with Chris Bragg, Albany Bureau Chief at New York Focus, about the power the Bronx Democratic Party holds in state government.

Advocates gathered outside a beauty supply retail store in Albany on Tuesday, demanding that New York state pass a law that would regulate ingredients found in personal care products and cosmetics.

Republicans have a lot to worry about in the upcoming 2026 election. Historically, the party that controls the White House takes an electoral pasting in the mid-terms. Given the current razor-thin majority that allows the Republicans to control the House, a November vote consistent with the historic record of most mid-term elections could flip it back to Democratic control.

State senators in New York are celebrating the passage of two bills that would regulate toxic "forever" chemicals.

New York state lawmakers have announced legislation targeting the New York State Office of Court Administration’s power over municipal budgets.

With the calendar year wrapping up and Governor Kathy Hochul filtering through hundreds of bills, let’s take a look back at some of the biggest issues that New York State politics faced this year.

Writing in the Times Union, the Democrat expressed her intent to sign legislation that allows for physician-assisted death for terminally ill patients as long as the New York State Legislature agrees to additional guardrails on the measure that passed both houses in June.