State Sen. Rachel May, who represents Cayuga County, was one of the most productive lawmakers during the 2025 state legislative session.
May, D-Syracuse, sponsored 27 bills that were approved by the state Assembly and Senate. According to an , she ranked ninth among lawmakers who had bills pass both houses of the state Legislature.
There are 150 members of the state Assembly and 63 state senators.
State Sen. James Skoufis, a Hudson Valley Democrat, led all lawmakers with 43 bills that received legislative approval. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Westchester County Democrat, was tops in her chamber with 38 bills.
The legislation sponsored by May that passed both houses includes the , which aims to counter book bans, and the 聽that would establish a platform to improve water data sharing.
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State Sen. Rachel May speaks during a town hall meeting at the Sterling Nature Center on Wednesday, June 25.
May also that would allow the state to provide technical assistance to municipalities affected by college closures. May previously represented a district that included Cazenovia College, which closed in 2023. In her current district, Wells College in Aurora closed last year.
A sponsored by May would create annual retailer awards for beer, cider, liquor and mead. According to a bill summary, the legislation recognizes the state's craft beverage industry.
May was able to usher the bills through the Legislature despite the late passage of the state budget. The budget wasn't finalized until early May, which gave legislators one month until the end of the legislative session.
"I'm proud that my office was once again one of the most effective in Albany at getting our bills passed through both houses of the Legislature," May said in a statement.
Some of May's bills seek to assist local governments. One measure exempts costs associated with emergency medical services from the property tax cap. Three others extend the authorization for the village of Weedsport in Cayuga County and the town and village of Skaneateles in Onondaga County to charge occupancy taxes.
May also sponsored legislation to allow Cayuga County to continue charging an additional 1% sales tax.
"I'm grateful that we were able to address many of our priorities and for the good work of my staff and colleagues on behalf of the many communities, cultures and landscapes that make this state special," May said.
The bills will be reviewed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.