Bill > S05926

This bill establishes the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Study Commission to comprehensively examine the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission will consist of 16 voting members appointed by the governor, senate leadership, and assembly leadership, with representation from both majority and minority parties. Members will be selected based on expertise in areas such as health care, public health, emergency management, labor, and business, with at least one member having experience addressing health care needs of underserved communities. The commission will study how various entities—including governments, health care institutions, educational institutions, and others—responded to the pandemic, covering topics like hospital and nursing home responses, educational institution shutdowns, workplace policies, and communication strategies. The commission is required to issue a preliminary report within one year and a final report within 18 months of its initial meeting, both of which will be published on the department's website. Commission members will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they will have broad investigative powers, including access to state records and the ability to issue subpoenas, while maintaining individual patient confidentiality. The commission will automatically expire 60 days after issuing its final report, though the governor may extend its existence by executive order. The bill aims to provide a comprehensive, independent review of the state's pandemic response to inform future preparedness and policy-making.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5926