Turbo tax did my 2018 NYS tax return. Why is it asking me to fill in information from it? Turbo tax knows the info better than I do

To import a prior year you must do that first thing.

Once you start entering 2019 data , it's no longer possible.

Turbotax is asking me for a lot of 2018 tax information - even thought step 1 I imported 2018.  This is on the federal return.  In addition the 2018 information it is asking for are poorly worded questions that do not match clearly the turbotax 2018 forms.  Seems the answer below does not explain what turbo tax is doing.

It depends.

Many times the information in the state return is specific to the state.  The federal return imported would not have the information relating to your 2018 state tax return.

As such, the program will ask you to verify certain information to ensure your 2019 tax return is prepared accurately.