The debates, roll calls and votes will be held over video conference. The bills approved will be done so remotely. 

But the Legislature will hold a post-budget session starting Tuesday with scheduled committee meetings, top lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly on Friday announced. 


What You Need To Know


  • Lawmakers have not held a vote since April 3.

  • The Legislature is expected to take up COVID-related bills next week.

  • Gov. Cuomo has done most of the governing during the pandemic.

  • But lawmakers have been working in their districts.

“Over the last several weeks, my colleagues and I in the Assembly Majority have been working in our districts to respond to the urgent needs of our communities brought on by this public health crisis,” Speaker Carl Heastie said in a statement.

“Across the state, members have been delivering food to essential workers and constituents, helping to establish testing sites, conducting wellness checks, aiding constituents with unemployment applications and distributing masks and hand sanitizer. We were able to see firsthand what our communities need to get through this, and we look forward to passing legislation to address these issues and concerns when we convene next week.”

It's not yet clear what measures lawmakers will consider in the post-budget session, but the bills will almost certainly be releated to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Rank-and-file legislators in recent weeks have proposed a series of measures that would make it easier to vote, bolster benefits for first responders and aid small businesses. 

Many of the bills would codify what Gov. Andrew Cuomo has done through executive order.

The Legislature has not held a vote since April 3, when the state budget was approved remotely. Lawmakers in March approved rules changes that enabled remote voting during a declared emergency. 

“The Senate will be convening session next week to pass legislation addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said.

“While the work may look different, it very much continues. For the past several weeks Senators and their staffs have worked tirelessly to aid their constituents as we all struggle with this crisis. From helping the hungry and unemployed, to virtual town halls and legislative hearings, to coordinating with state agencies, Senators have continued working to serve New Yorkers and provide the government action and leadership needed during these difficult times.”