- New York: Lawmakers turn up heat on cannabis regulators at hearing (City & State New York, 10/31/2023)
- State lawmakers expressed frustration and concern during a Senate hearing on New York’s adult-use cannabis market, criticizing the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) for a delayed rollout and inadequate enforcement against illegal cannabis shops. Senators called for aggressive action against unlicensed operations that pose threats to legal cannabis businesses and public health. The OCM officials faced criticism for lack of communication with stakeholders, insufficient consideration of feedback during regulations development, and perceived lack of urgency in addressing the challenges faced by the legal cannabis industry.
- Following DocGo reports, lawmakers look for oversight on emergency contracts (Times Union, 5/14/2024)
- State lawmakers are concerned about potential improper benefits to family members from DocGo’s no-bid contract with New York City for migrant relocation. Proposed legislation, which was vetoed last year by the governor, aims to enhance transparency in emergency contracts, but both state and city comptrollers have refrained from commenting on the issue.
- Lawmakers look to reform state commission on corrections, criticize group for failing to address prison problems (Watertown Daily Times, 5/28/2025)
- At a joint hearing of New York’s Senate and Assembly prison committees, lawmakers criticized the State Commission on Corrections (SCOC) for a lack of public engagement and oversight amid recent prison crises, including inmate deaths and a staff strike. Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and Senator Julia Salazar are sponsoring legislation to expand the SCOC from three governor-appointed members to nine, including legislative appointees with relevant experience and subject to review by the Correctional Association of New York. According to Gallagher, the goal is to revitalize the commission’s role in oversight and accountability, with the bill pending a vote in the Assembly Corrections Committee.
