Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn is the Democratic incumbent for NY State Assembly District 42, first elected in 2014. Born in Flatbush, Brooklyn to Haitian immigrant parents, she is the first Haitian-American woman elected to office in New York City. She chairs the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and serves on the Education, Governmental Operations, Health, Higher Education, Housing, and Ways and Means committees.[2][3]
Floor votes in Albany
- YesProvides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits · S10113 · Passed Assembly 88–53 · 2026-06-05 official record ↗Provides that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits.
- YesRelates to granting employees access to personnel records · S3460 · Passed Assembly 92–49 · 2026-05-19 official record ↗Grants employees access to personnel records; requires notice of negative information in such records and an opportunity for a review; permits employee to include certain information in personnel records.
- YesConcealed Carry Improvement Act · S51001 · Passed 90–52 · 2022-07-01 official record ↗Enacted after the Bruen decision: added training and character requirements for carry permits and barred guns in designated sensitive places.
- Yes2021–22 budget revenue bill · S2509 · Passed 88–61 · 2021-04-07 official record ↗Raised personal income tax rates on incomes above $1 million and raised the corporate franchise tax rate on large businesses, among other revenue measures.
Votes on landmark laws since 2019, plus 2026 roll calls where at least five members voted on the losing side — read from the legislature’s official records.
On the record — official actions
- actionChairs the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs); also serves on the Education, Governmental Operations, Health, Higher Education, Housing, and Ways and Means committees in the 2025-2026 session.[2]
- billSponsored A04991, prohibiting landlords from using an algorithmic device to determine residential rent; referred to the Housing Committee, not enacted as of September 2026.[4]
- billSponsored A08454 (print no. A08454A), creating a tenants' bill of rights; amended and recommitted to the Housing Committee, not enacted as of September 2026.[5]
- billSponsored A07192, which would prohibit the establishment, incorporation, construction, or capacity increase of for-profit nursing homes; referred to the Health Committee, not enacted as of September 2026.[6]
- billSponsored A06839, requiring the Division of Housing and Community Renewal to calculate the period of a tenant's rent reduction for diminished services from the date the diminution actually occurred, rather than from a later filing date; amended twice and advanced to third reading as of May 2026.[7]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsStronger rent regulation and tenant protections
Sponsored A04991, which would prohibit landlords from using an algorithmic device to set residential rent, and A08454, establishing a tenants' bill of rights.[4][5]
- SupportsStricter gun lawsFrom recorded votes
Voted yes on S51001 (Concealed Carry Improvement Act, 2022-07-01): Enacted after the Bruen decision: added training and character requirements for carry permits and barred guns in designated sensitive places.[9]
- SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporationsFrom recorded votes
Voted yes on S2509 (2021–22 budget revenue bill, 2021-04-07): Raised personal income tax rates on incomes above $1 million and raised the corporate franchise tax rate on large businesses, among other revenue measures.[10]
In their words — priorities
- Her official biography lists a focus spanning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, healthcare access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, and women's and LGBTQ rights.[3]
- As Chair of the MWBE Subcommittee, has prioritized legislation to help minority- and women-owned businesses, including bills on procurement, contracting notice requirements, and anti-fraud protections.[3]
Background
- Born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants; is the first Haitian-American woman elected to office in New York City.[3]
- Since becoming a legislator in 2015, has introduced more than 200 bills, 34 of which have become law, and co-sponsored more than 250 others, according to her official biography.[3]
- Sits on Governor Kathy Hochul's Domestic Violence Advisory Council.[3]