Legislative Updates
Call to Action
May 22, 2026
Friends,
S9888, our Senate bill to end movie cinema discrimination against the deaf and hard of hearing, needs a “discharge” into Rules NOW from the Commerce Committee so that it can be voted on before adjournment on June 4.
Please call ASAP:
Sean Mulligan
716.826.2683
Legislative Director
for Commerce Committee Chair Sen. April Baskin
Leave a message, if necessary, on behalf of New Yorkers whoi are deaf and hard of hearing to please help move S9888 via a discharge and toward a Senate vote in the short time remaining.
And if you can make a second call, ask Sen. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins’ legislative director to help push S9888 toward a vote:
Josh Marcil
518.455.2585
Note that progress is being made on the Assembly side, where we’re hoping A4628B (AM Seawright, lead sponsor) will be voted out of Rules and passed by the Assembly in coming days.
Our brief in support is attached FYI.
It only takes a minute to make these 2 calls. We won’t go down without a fight. Help stand up for the hard of hearing.
Learn about Advocacy
NYS HLAA has a very active Advocacy Committee under the directions and Chair, Jerry Bergman.
Leading the Way
Our Advocacy team is currently taking on the lead to get the Open Caption bill passed. They are also supporting other bills that affect the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Supportive Community
You’ll meet many who are self-advocates and working together to improve the lives of all New Yorkers living with hearing loss.