Overview

• The Assembly approved the measure 81–67 in April and the Senate is debating it in the final week of the legislative session.
• Under the act, patients with incurable and irreversible illnesses expected to die within six months could request lethal prescriptions.
• Two separate physicians must certify a patient’s eligibility and refer them for mental health evaluation if capacity is in doubt.
• Opponents—including Catholic bishops and some lawmakers of color—argue the proposal lacks mandatory waiting periods and robust oversight.
• If the Senate passes the bill on Monday, Hochul will hold the final authority to sign it into law or issue a veto.