The Senate Standing Committee on Disabilities convened on March 4, 2025, under the leadership of newly appointed Chair Assemblywoman Pat Fahey. The meeting commenced with a quorum present, allowing for a productive session focused on several key legislative bills aimed at improving services for individuals with disabilities.

The first item on the agenda was Bill S. 3571, which proposes to name a state facility after Willie Mae Goody Goodman. The committee unanimously approved the motion to advance this bill.

Next, the committee discussed Bill S. 4775, which seeks to amend the mental hygiene law regarding the safeguarding of cash accounts for individuals with developmental disabilities. This bill also received unanimous support and was moved to the calendar for further consideration.

The third item, Bill S. 4835, aims to amend both the mental hygiene law and social services law to enhance housing navigation services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The committee voted in favor of referring this bill to the finance committee.

Following this, Bill S. 4871, which addresses the duties of the independent developmental disability ombudsman program, was also referred to finance after receiving committee approval.

The final bill discussed was S. 4907, which requires the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to create a staffing plan to address emergencies during staffing shortages. This bill was moved to the calendar for further action.

Throughout the meeting, Chair Fahey emphasized the importance of these legislative efforts and expressed a desire to invite the acting director of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to a future meeting. This invitation aims to facilitate better communication and address concerns raised by constituents regarding the agency's operations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up on the invitation to the OPWDD director and to continue advancing the discussed legislation. The committee adjourned, marking a swift and efficient session dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities in New York.