As state Sen. Hugh Farley predicted at the end of today’s story, the Senate just passed the bill that would allow Schenectady, Troy, Albany and other small New York cities to run night courts — with the blessing of state courts officials.

The Assembly bill, sponsored by Colonie Democrat Phil Steck, easily passed yesterday.

The legislation is intended to help Schenectady avoid the cost of paying for additional courtroom space to accommodate its new city judge, who will take office in January. Troy, which is also getting a new judge, has also expressed interest in running a night court.

But an amendment to the bill needed to get it passed puts the authority to determine where the night courts ought to go, if anywhere, in the hands of the Office of Court Administration, which has been cool to the idea.

The legislation applies to cities smaller than 250,000 in population. Now the bill will head to the governor’s desk for his signature or veto.