Albany has more work to do in 2026

In a statewide election year, it was widely presumed from the start that the Democrat-dominated legislative session would generate no bold measures, or sweeping reforms, or controversial compromises.

The now-ended January-to-June session lived up to that expectation. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the leaders of the State Senate and Assembly punted on various sticky issues past Election Day.

On May 28, following unexplained negotiating delays, Hochul finally signed bills enacting a $268.1 billion budget for 2026-27.

The governor got a package of headline agreements useful for her reelection campaign — such as no tax hikes as well as changes in auto insurance laws to reduce future premiums. That left only about one workweek to wrap up post-budget actions before summer adjournment.

In perhaps the biggest punt of the session, lawmakers approved a one-year moratorium on permitting controversial new AI-driven hyperscale data centers. Critics fear the centers will drain water and energy resources wherever they are built. Gauging the degree of risk demands deep knowledge and review for any lawmaking body.

Hochul has not said if she will sign it. If she does, the legislature should use that one-year reprieve to learn and decide appropriate regulations.

Lawmakers have indicated they will not return to the Capitol until after New Year's. Why not? They have plenty of work left over — including dozens of proposals of specific interest on Long Island.

There should be a lame-duck session later this year to address leftover business — and prepare for the 2027 session.

Legislation based on doctor misconduct, left behind this month, includes a physician oversight bill that would force license revocations for sexual abuse convictions. Newsday's "Broken Practice" series underscored the need for such action. Abuses of escrow accounts also cry out for a state crackdown.

Assemb. Rebecca Kassay's bill to assure that cannabis business licensing fits with zoning restrictions should get full consideration. So should State Sen. Monica Martinez's bill enhancing Child Protective Services operations.

So should State Sen. Siela Bynoe's sponsored bill allowing the development of public library land for affordable housing or other uses, and Assemb. Steve Stern's bill seeking to streamline building permits by professional certification.

With the Senate declining to confirm David Mack, the Nassau County member of the MTA Board, a more effective replacement must be voted in sooner rather than later.

These proposals sound as if they'd improve government operations. Let's all find out by making the time for vigorous airing of these proposals and allow floor debates.

Keeping up with current events and social change demands more legislative diligence at all levels of government. It's not too much to ask the nation's highest-paid state legislators to earnestly work a full year.