Dems ‘Assemble’ to ‘squash’ debate

Albany Democrats tightened their vicelike grip over New York’s legislative agenda Tuesday with a power play aimed at preventing debate on topics such as bail reform.

The Democratic Assembly supermajority is now putting a strict limit on the number of times per year members can force committee votes on bills — a move that allows them to effectively block the vast majority of GOP-backed legislation without discussion.

“It’s not just the bills that actually get considered. It forces conversations,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Valley Stream). “This is another way of centralizing power.”

The move was introduced by Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D-Buffalo), a top lieutenant of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx).

Another change, also approved Monday, effectively requires GOP lawmakers to attend legislative sessions while allowing Democrats to vote yes by default.

Assembly members traditionally could force committee votes on bills by leveraging a parliamentary maneuver called a “99” — forcing chairs to hold votes before the end of the regularly scheduled legislative session.