518-465-1473

www.nysac.org

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Albany, NY

Effective Legislative Advocacy

A Strategic Guide

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Presentation Roadmap

1. State Legislative Process
2. 2025 Legislative Session
3. Legislative Advocacy Strategies

Effective Legislative Advocacy

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Types of Legislation

State Legislative Process

One House - Bill introduced in only one house

Companion Bill - Bills printed separately but identical in content introduced in each house (also called a “same as”)

Multi-Sponsor - Bill introduced by more than one sponsor

Home Rule - Bill which requires local legislative action before it can be introduced (e.g. sales tax extender)

Program Bill - Bill introduced at specific request of the Governor, Attorney General, or Comptroller

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Committee Process

State Legislative Process

Bill is numbered and referred to appropriate committee

Bills to be considered are published in the committee agenda

Bills reported favorably from committee go to the Senate/Assembly Calendar

Bills remaining in committee but not acted on remain alive until the end of the term in even-numbered years

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Environmental Conservation Committees

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Responsible for reviewing legislation related to environmental conservation, including policies related to air and water quality, waste management, pollution control, and climate change

Senate

• Chaired by Hon. Pete Harckham (represents Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties)

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Assembly

• Chaired by Hon. Deborah Glick (represents Lower Manhattan)

State Legislative Process

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Bill Aging Process

State Legislative Process

• Bills reported favorably from Committee advanced to order of first report
• Next session day advances to the Order of the second report
• On the succeeding day, bills automatically advance to order of the third report and are eligible for consideration
• In special instances, a bill may be reported to order of special report on the calendar allowing it to go to third reading the next day

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Passing Legislation

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Active List

• Prepared by the Assembly Majority Leader and Assembly Speaker
• Lists bills on order of third reading to be considered

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Bill Designations

• Non-Controversial: little to no expected debate or opposition; usually voted on in a block with minimal discussion
• Controversial: expected to spark significant debate or face opposition; discussed and debated individually

State Legislative Process

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How to Track Bills

State Legislative Process

New York State Assembly

www.nyassembly.gov

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New York State Senate

www.nysenate.gov

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New York State Legislative Retrieval System

www.public.leginfo.state.ny.us

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2025 Legislative Session

• Democratic majorities in both houses
• Rightward shift in 2024 election
• Challenging budget year expected
• DOB forecasts a cumulative three-year budget gap of $13.9 billion
• MTA faces $16.5 billion shortfall due to the postponement of congestion pricing
• Possible federal cuts to state aid

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Effective Legislative Advocacy

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Budget Season: January-April

• Best opportunity for controversial legislation
• Link to executive or leadership priorities

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Regular Session: January-June

• Committee agendas set by Friday for following week
• Multiple years needed for major policy (unless leadership priority)

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Off-Session: July-December

• District engagement
• Relationship building
• Priority setting
• Coalition maintenance

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Effective Legislative Advocacy

Year-Round Engagement

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Year-Round Engagement

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Session Strategy

• Support/opposition memos
• Public hearings
• Staff briefings
• Lobby days
• Social media engagement

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District Activities

• Maintain relationships
• Local meetings
• Facility tours
• Community events
• Local media engagement

Effective Legislative Advocacy

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Making Meetings Count

Before

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✓ Research legislator's priorities

✓ Prepare district-specific data

✓ Draft clear, specific asks

✓ Bring handout or visual aid

During

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✓ Be punctual

✓ Start with local impact

✓ Make specific asks

✓ Offer technical expertise

✓ Expect to meet with staff (they are crucial!)

After

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✓ Send thank you

✓ Provide promised info

✓ Document commitments

✓ Plan follow-up

✓ Share relevant updates as they occur

Effective Legislative Advocacy

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Your Value Proposition

Your Voice Matters

• Technical implementation expertise
• Local impact data
• Operational realities
• Cost analysis
• Real-world experience

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Speak Their Language

• Jobs and economic impact
• Constituent service improvements
• Cost savings opportunities
• Environmental benefits
• Regional development potential

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Effective Legislative Advocacy

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Ongoing Communications

Be Their Go-To Resource

• Respond quickly to inquiries
• Provide clear, concise information
• Offer solutions, not just problems
• Flag potential issues early
• Help educate new staff

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Stay Engaged

• Regular email updates
• Share relevant news
• Invite to events
• Recognize efforts
• Keep staff informed

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Effective Legislative Advocacy

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Building Your Coalition

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Strategic Partners

• Environmental groups
• Business associations
• Labor unions
• Community organizations
• Municipal associations
• Industry stakeholders

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Effective Legislative Advocacy

Strategic Considerations

• Shared priorities
• Combined reach
• Diverse perspectives
• United message
• Collective influence
• Statewide reach

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Key Strategy Notes

• Majority party sponsorship is crucial - bills rarely move without it
• Regional issues can drive statewide policy – use local impact data
• Maintain relationships even when you don't need anything
• Plan advocacy around key legislative deadlines
• Consider election cycle impacts on policy decisions

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Effective Legislative Advocacy

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Contact

NYSAC

Alexandra Regan

Legislative/Policy Coordinator

aregan@nysac.org

518-465-1473 ext. 220

Effective Legislative Advocacy