Buffalo Ledger

During the week of April 1, 2025, several bills were passed in the New York State Senate, with votes from Senator Gallivan documented for each. Key legislation included S2556, which "ensures that when land is disposed of by public authorities, certain safeguards are in place," to maintain transparency and market value oversight. Senator Gallivan voted in favor of this bill.

Another significant bill, S349, expanded the definition of an agency to include entities governed by boards appointed by state or local officials. This bill was also supported by Senator Gallivan.

Among the health-related initiatives, S1787 designated the "Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag" as the official state flag for veteran suicide awareness. Senator Gallivan supported this measure, along with S1855, requiring a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct among medical professionals.

S688A addressed tax exemptions for spouses of deceased volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers, while S2590 mandated AED equipment at nonpublic schools. Both received affirmative votes from Senator Gallivan.

In education-related legislation, S190 provided for expedited death benefits under volunteer firefighters' benefit law, and S2589 clarified absentee ballot requirements in school elections. Gallivan supported S190 but opposed S2589, stating that it addressed a "non-existent problem."

Groundwater integrity and tenant protections were addressed by bills such as S947, which prohibits landlords from charging electronic payment fees, and S3579A, extending the New York State thoroughbred breeding fund. Gallivan approved both.

Legislation on criminal conduct and public safety included S4322, establishing a cause of action against removal of sexual devices, and S1714, preventing the use of "excited delirium" as an official cause of death. While he supported S4322, Gallivan voted against S1714, advocating for medical professionals' assessment.

Amendments to improve economic operations and transparency were also highlighted. S3072 addressed consumer credit history utilization in employment decisions, and S3695 restricted "confession of judgment" provisions, with the former being opposed and the latter approved by Gallivan.

S5041 aimed to expand protection for victims of unlawful dissemination of intimate images, with Gallivan's support. Similarly, environmental considerations were addressed in S4071 by redefining "stormwater" in public authority contexts, also receiving his backing.

Throughout the week, Gallivan also supported a range of other proposals involving safety regulations, language accessibility, and economic impact studies, while opposing terms he deemed unnecessary or problematic.