Andrew Cuomo in NY legislative records


On Abortion: Signed law allowing late term abortions

Legislative Summary: A21/S240: During the decades since Roe v. Wade was decided, there have been numerous court decisions clarifying the scope of the right to abortion but New York's laws have remained outdated. This bill updates NY's abortion statutes to address constitutional flaws and recognize a woman's fundamental right to access safe, legal abortion.

Syracuse Post-Standard analysis: The Reproductive Health Act changes New York's law to permit abortions after 24 weeks in case where a woman's life or health would be threatened. The law leaves it to doctors to decide when a woman's health is at risk. Republican lawmakers say the law should define what constitutes a threat, and gives too much discretion to doctors and could open the door to late-term abortions that are not medically necessary.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 95-49-6 on Jan/22/19; Passed Senate 38-24-1 on Jan/22/19; Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jan/22/19

Source: Syracuse Post-Standard on New York voting record A21/S240 Jan 22, 2019

On Civil Rights: Equal marriage rights for same-sex couples

Excerpts from legislation: AN ACT to amend the domestic relations law. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Marriage Equality Act". Marriage is a fundamental human right. Same-sex couples should have the same access as others to the protections, responsibilities, rights, obligations, and benefits of civil marriage. Stable family relationships help build a stronger society. For the welfare of the community and in fairness to all New Yorkers, this act formally recognizes otherwise-valid marriages without regard to whether the parties are of the same or different sex. It is the intent of the legislature that the marriages of same-sex and different-sex couples be treated equally in all respects under the law.

Legislative outcome: Bill passed Senate 33-29-0; Bill Passed House 80-63-3; Signed by Governor Cuomo, June 24

Source: New York legislative voting record on A 8354 Jun 24, 2011

On Crime: Collect DNA for all crimes, to exonerate the innocent

I propose that we expand our DNA databank. This databank helps establish guilt and innocence; it has provided leads in over 2,700 convictions and--just as important--led to 27 exonerations of the wrongfully accused. Currently, DNA is collected only from those convicted of less than half the crimes on the books in New York State. Among the exclusions are numerous crimes that are often precursors to violent offenses. As a result, we are missing an important opportunity to prevent needless suffering of crime victims. We are also failing to use the most powerful tool we have to exonerate the innocent. I will propose a bill requiring the collection of a DNA sample from any person convicted of a felony or Penal Law misdemeanor. DNA can be the key to exonerating the innocent, convicting the guilty, and protecting all New Yorkers in a fair and cost-effective way. Let's put New York on the cutting edge of criminal justice and become the first state in the nation to collect DNA on all crimes.
Source: 2012 State of the State into New York voting record A2958 Jan 4, 2012

On Government Reform: Allow municipalities to regulate puppy mills

S3753L To allow municipalities to regulate pet dealers as long as the law, rule, regulation, or ordinance is not less stringent than state law.

Summary by Animal Law Coalition: The New York state legislature has passed a measure, A. 740-A/S. 3753-A that will allow municipalities to regulate puppy mills. Under current law only the Department of Agriculture and Markets can regulate "pet dealers" which are basically dog and cat breeders.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 120-21-6 on Jun/16/13; Passed Senate 53-10-0 on Jun/21/13; Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jan/10/14.

Source: Animal Law Coalition on New York voting record S3753 Jan 10, 2014

On Gun Control: Exempt retired cops for assault weapons acquired on job

A6356: Creates an exemption to allow qualified retired New York and federal law enforcement officers to possess large-capacity ammunition devices and assault weapons.

New York City press release (NYC.gov): Qualified retired New York or federal law enforcement officers are exempt from prosecution for violating large capacity magazine restrictions for guns that were issued or purchased in the course of official duties and owned at the time of retirement, or comparable replacements. Other guns not owned in the course of official duties prior to retirement are not exempt.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 116-13-18 on May/23/13; Passed Senate 49-14-0 on Jun/20/13; Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jul/5/13.

Source: New York City press release on New York voting record A6356 Jul 5, 2013

The above quotations are from Legislative voting records for New York House and Senate.
Click here for other excerpts from Legislative voting records for New York House and Senate.
Click here for other excerpts by Andrew Cuomo.
Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Sep 02, 2025