The state Assembly this week will take up final passage of a pair of bills meant to curb the reach of his pardon powers for New York prosecutors and a bill that could give congressional Democrats access to his state tax returns.
The pardon legislation and the tax measure previously passed in the state Senate. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signaled he would sign the tax legislation.
Both chambers on Wednesday are set to approve a chapter amendment to the tax bill meant to narrow its scope to elected officials and those in public office.
“It’s going to be narrowed down to people in public office and public officials, so it won’t be open to 19 million constituents,” Heastie said. “It will be a little more narrowed focus.”
The bill comes as lawmakers in Congress have sought the president’s federal tax returns as part of a broader investigation into his business interests. Trump has broken with tradition and so far refused to release his taxes voluntarily.
“This can be just like an in-case-of-emergency-break-glass if they feel like they need to public officials tax returns,” Heastie said. “I think the fact that Trump is a New York state resident before he was elected puts the focus on us.”
The bill limiting the president’s pardon powers is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday by the Assembly and allow local prosecutors to bring cases against those who have received a federal pardon.
The legislation was proposed amid investigations by New York prosecutors, including Attorney General Letitia James. It would apply to those who have worked in the president’s administration and his family.