Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area,” highlighting key legislative developments, including the overdue state budget and the passage of the medical aid in dying bill.

Gray noted that New York has entered May without a finalized budget, now more than a month late. Despite the delay, he remains hopeful a resolution will come next week, with updates on how it will impact the North Country.

He also addressed Assembly bill A.136, the medical aid in dying legislation, which passed the Assembly after more than 12 years in existence and five hours of floor debate yesterday.

“This was both a very compassionate and passionate discussion,” Gray said. “We heard many personal stories, as well as concerns about the language aspects of the bill. It was one of the most difficult votes I’ve taken in the chamber.”

Although he recognized the bill’s intent, Gray ultimately voted against it. He cited several concerns, including vague language about the medication involved, a lack of accountability measures such as tracking or recall mechanisms for the lethal substance, and the complexities of determining life expectancy for individuals with terminal illnesses. He also raised ethical concerns about discrepancies between autopsy results and death certificates, noting that while the underlying condition is listed as the cause of death, it is the medication that causes the death—a distinction that misleads families and places physicians in legally complex positions.

“Historically speaking, forty percent of patients prescribed this medication never use it,” Gray noted. “That’s a large amount of a lethal substance that’s neither used nor tracked. I think that’s a serious flaw in the bill.”

The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration, where further amendments may be introduced before it reaches the governor’s desk.

“Look out for next week’s episode of The Gray Area as we continue to update you on what you care about. We always appreciate the opportunity to serve you and to work with you. Don’t hesitate to call my office staff with questions, comments or concerns—see you soon,” Gray concluded.

Watch the full episode here.