NY S05926

Establishes a 16-member COVID-19 Pandemic Response Study Commission within the Department of Health, with 8 members appointed by the governor (including the chair), 3 each by the senate and assembly majority leaders, and 1 each by minority leaders

Commission members must have expertise in health care, public health, emergency procurement, emergency management, labor, or business, with at least one member experienced in addressing health care needs of underserved communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19

Directs the commission to study pandemic responses by state/local governments, hospitals, nursing homes, jails, prisons, congregate care settings, educational institutions, and employer/employee policies, including data sharing with the public

Requires the commission to issue a preliminary report within one year of its initial meeting and a final report within 18 months, with authority to conduct public hearings, hire employees, access confidential state records, and issue subpoenas

Commission expires 60 days after issuing its final report, though the governor may extend its existence by executive order for additional periods