Bill > A02059

This bill establishes the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Study Commission, a 16-member commission tasked with comprehensively examining the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission will include members appointed by the governor, senate leadership, and assembly leadership, with at least half of the appointees recommended by the health commissioner after consulting with various health and emergency management officials. Members will be selected based on expertise in areas like healthcare, public health, emergency management, and labor, with a specific requirement to include someone knowledgeable about healthcare needs in underserved communities. The commission will study responses from state and local governments, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, and other entities, covering topics such as pandemic management in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and other settings, as well as policies affecting employers, employees, and the public. The commission is required to issue a preliminary report within one year and a final report within eighteen months, both to be published on the department's website. Members will not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses, and the commission will have broad authority to access records, conduct research, and issue subpoenas while protecting patient confidentiality. The commission will automatically expire 60 days after issuing its final report, though the governor may extend its existence by executive order.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2059