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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced an agreement on legislation (S.854-A/A.1248-A) to legalize adult-use cannabis. The bill would establish the Office of Cannabis Management to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework that would cover medical, adult-use and cannabinoid hemp. The bill would also ...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also announced that beginning April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face coverings will be required by all attendees, as well ...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that new regulations have been adopted to dramatically accelerate the siting and construction of major renewable energy facilities across New York State. Projects advanced under the new regulations, which are part of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, will help the state combat climate change and jumpstart its economic ...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a pilot program to test the Excelsior Pass during events at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center. First announced in the Governor’s 2021 State of the State address and developed in partnership with IBM, the Excelsior Pass will use proven, secure technology to confirm an individual’s vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test through a confidential ...

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Public Service (Department) announced today that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has designated John B. Howard as the Interim Chair of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Public Service. Mr. Howard fills the vacancy created on February 26, 2021 with the departure of John B. Rhodes, whose term as Chair and CEO had expired ...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that as New York’s hospitalization and COVID-19 infection rates continue to decline, New York is issuing guidance to begin re-opening additional sectors of the economy. Specifically, billiard halls statewide and movie theaters in New York City are now permitted to re-open. Additionally, guidance is also being released for weddings and catered events ...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the New York Forward Rapid Test Program to help businesses safely reopen. This unique public-private partnership – first announced in the Governor’s 2021 State of the State – will make low-cost rapid testing available to the public to support enhanced economic activity as the State continues to reopen sectors of the economy. Eleven initial sites will open today ...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, March 26. Outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9. All facilities must submit reopening plans with health protocols to the local health department. Face coverings and social distancing will be ...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced 30-day amendments to the Governor’s proposal to establish a comprehensive adult-use cannabis program in New York. Specifically, these amendments will detail how the $100 Million in Social Equity funding will be allocated, enable the use of delivery services, and refine which criminal charges will be enforced as it relates to the improper sale of cannabis to further ...