New York Senate adopts slate of bills, including student meal sales‑tax exclusion and kratom labeling

The New York State Senate convened on Feb. 2, 2026, adopted ceremonial resolutions and passed a broad slate of bills on its calendar, including legislation to exclude donated student meals from sales tax, require labeling for kratom products, and remove racially discriminatory language from real‑property covenants. The Senate adjourned to reconvene Feb. 4, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Senator Webb, explaining her vote on Assembly bill 95‑14, said the measure ‘‘excludes food sold to students using approved donation programs, such as donated meal points or designated food funds, from being subjected to sales tax.’’ She framed the bill as a response to campus food insecurity, saying ‘‘no college student in our great state should ever have to choose between going to class and going hungry’’ and cited that more than 40% of New York State college students experience food insecurity. The bill was read, called, and passed on the calendar with a recorded result announced by the secretary.

Senator Palumbo urged support for a measure requiring labeling of kratom, citing public‑health concerns about synthetic opioids derived from the plant and noting ‘‘it has caused numerous deaths.’’ He said labeling is a necessary step while acknowledging additional action may be needed. That bill also passed on the calendar.

Senator Sanders spoke during the session on a real‑property law measure, asking colleagues to remove outdated restrictive covenant language and calling the bill ‘‘a chance to get rid of that old ancient hateful language.’’ The measure passed by recorded vote.

The chamber also adopted ceremonial resolutions. Senator Cooney introduced Resolution 15‑15 asking the governor to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, highlighting the state’s economic and cultural ties to Canada. Senator Hinchey introduced Resolution 14‑75 to memorialize February as National FFA Organization Week and recognized FFA chapters and student leaders in the chamber.

Many additional bills were taken up and passed across several policy areas, including environmental conservation, public health, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, and tenant protections; most passage votes were announced by roll call or voice and recorded on the calendar. The Senate completed its calendar business and adjourned until Feb. 4.

Votes at a glance (selection):
- Resolution 15‑15 (Cooney), memorializing the governor to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day — adopted (voice vote recorded as "aye").
- Assembly bill 95‑14 (sponsor cited on floor): excludes donated meal program purchases from sales tax — passed (recorded on calendar; vote announced as Aye 60 for related items in the sequence where results were read).
- Calendar 151 / Senate print 87‑60 (Sanders): real property law amendment to remove discriminatory covenant language — passed (recorded vote announced, ayes 46, nays 14 as read aloud).
- Calendar 152 / Senate print 94‑43 (Steck/Palumbo explanation): labeling requirements for kratom — passed (recorded as passed on the calendar).

What’s next: the Senate adjourned to meet again on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 3 p.m.