New YorkA 100082025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Enacts into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state transportation, economic development and environmental conservation budget for the 2026-2027 state fiscal year

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

120 provisions identified: 77 benefits, 9 costs, 34 mixed.

Beneficiaries gain a larger death-benefit option

Designated beneficiaries gain a lump-sum option for covered members who die on or after July 1, 2026. The member must have held a title covered by Retirement and Social Security Law § 89(i) and qualified for service retirement. The payment is the larger of two amounts: the pension reserve as of death, or the death benefit plus any reserve for increased take-home pay.

City workers gain twenty-year normal retirement

Covered police/fire members of the New York City Police Pension Fund qualify for normal service retirement after 20 service years. New York City uniformed correction and sanitation revised-plan members also qualify after 20 service years, replacing early retirement treatment. For both groups, normal retirement age is when they complete, or would have completed, 20 years of service. These changes took effect upon enactment.

Earlier, larger pensions for city firefighters

Uniformed New York City firefighters' service-retirement benefits start the month after they complete, or would have completed, 23 credited years. The stated threshold for other listed groups remains 25 years. Firefighters retiring in any rank after at least 25 uniformed-service years also receive a longevity addition. It equals 5% of the highest grade of pay for their rank, plus 1% for each year beyond 25. The addition stops at 15%, with service counted only through 35 years.

Teachers gain earlier unreduced retirement benefits

Covered teachers can retire without a benefit reduction at age 58 with at least 30 years of service. This applies to members of the New York State or New York City Teachers’ Retirement System. They must have first joined their system on or after April 1, 2012.

Farmers get longer tax refund access

Eligible farmers can elect refunds of unused excess amounts of the covered New York personal income tax credit. Eligible farmer corporations can elect refunds of unused carryovers of the covered corporate tax credit. Both apply to tax years beginning before January 1, 2033, extending the former January 1, 2028 cutoff. The refunds earn no interest.

State capital accounts gain funding authority

The law authorizes up to $1.5 billion in General Fund transfers to listed state capital accounts. Eligible accounts support hazardous-waste cleanup, parks, environmental protection, correctional facilities, housing, and mental hygiene projects. Transfers also cannot exceed the specified outstanding accounts receivable balances. This is state project funding, not direct household payments.

More money for roads and transit

The law transfers $727.5 million from the General Fund to the highway and bridge trust fund. It adds another $5 million for State Police work-zone safety activities for the Transportation Department. It transfers $243.25 million to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Mobility Tax Trust account for services and operations. Public transportation operating assistance receives $20 million, including $12 million for base operating needs. These transfers do not set fares, tolls, or direct rider payments.

State extends financing and adds debt reserves

The state can use personal income tax revenue anticipation notes to temporarily cover budget needs, up to $3 billion per fiscal year. Their latest maturity date moves from March 31, 2026, to March 31, 2027. These notes cannot be renewed, extended, or refinanced. The law also transfers $500 million from the General Fund to the Debt Reduction Reserve Fund. These are state financing changes, not changes to household income tax bills.

Colleges gain more capital financing authority

The SUNY educational-facility bond cap rises from $20.948164 billion to $21.898164 billion, allowing $950 million more borrowing. The locally sponsored community-college bond and note cap rises from $1.495774 billion to $1.623884 billion. College capital matching-grant authority rises from $425 million to $465 million, with a matching $465 million bond ceiling. Grants depend on appropriations and statutory award calculations; colleges can also compete for the specified additional funds. The facility caps exclude reserve, issuance-cost, and refinancing debt; SUNY's listed exclusions apply to bonds issued after April 1, 2025.

State funding supports public university operations

The law authorizes General Fund transfers to the State University of New York's General Revenue Offset account. Up to $25 million supports operations from April 1 through June 30, 2026. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, it authorizes up to $1.6191895 billion plus $51.12 million in operating support. The separate $51.12 million authorization follows Education Law § 355(2)(h)(4-b). Each transfer requires the budget director's request; these provisions do not set tuition changes or direct household payments.

Some injured drivers face compensation caps

The law caps pain-and-suffering damages at $100,000 for some seriously injured claimants who are at fault but still eligible to recover. The cap applies to drivers responsible for insuring an uninsured vehicle, except when coverage lapsed for less than 30 days. It also applies after impaired-driving convictions or felony convictions involving driving or immediate flight from a felony. Claims for injuries resulting in death are excluded.

Tighter rules for crash injury claims

The law removes one way to qualify for pain-and-suffering damages in New York motor-vehicle injury cases. It removes the category covering non-permanent injuries that prevent most usual activities for 90 of the first 180 days. In cases covered by the state's no-fault law, claimants cannot recover when their fault exceeds the opposing parties' fault. In other actions, fault reduces damages in proportion to the claimant's or deceased person's share, rather than barring recovery.

New retirement payments for university employees

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered State University optional-plan and City University employees follow a new retirement contribution schedule. It covers employees appointed on or after April 1, 2012. Wages from two plan years earlier set the rate: 3% through $75,000; 4% above $75,000 through $100,000. The rate is 5.25% above $100,000 through $125,000, and 5.75% above $125,000. Employees pay that share of current wages toward retirement, reducing take-home pay.

Higher borrowing limit for development projects

The bond and note ceiling for listed development projects rises from $23.705253 billion to $26.498453 billion. Eligible projects include economic development, neighborhood renewal, cultural facilities, and infrastructure. Proceeds can also cover related state project costs. This expands borrowing authority, not a separate appropriation. Debt-reserve, issuance-cost, and refinancing or repayment bonds do not count toward the ceiling.

Higher borrowing limit for environmental projects

The bond ceiling for authorized environmental infrastructure rises from $14.48086 billion to $17.75016 billion. This allows more project financing through borrowing, rather than providing a separate appropriation. Bonds for debt reserves, issuance costs, and refinancing or repayment of earlier bonds do not count toward the ceiling.

Higher financing limits for transportation projects

The Thruway project-cost ceiling backed by state service contracts rises from $15.822384 billion to $16.800181 billion. Local grants use signed touring-route miles maintained by each municipality; eligible local projects must last at least ten years. Separate transportation bond authority rises from $17.030027 billion to $18.562385 billion. It covers listed roads, bridges, the Peace Bridge, aviation, non-MTA transit, and rail preservation. Specified reserve, issuance, and refinancing bonds do not count toward these ceilings; the Thruway exclusion applies to bonds issued after April 1, 2025.

Higher financing limits for care facilities

The ceiling for specified health-care capital bonds rises from $6.168 billion to $7.178 billion. These authority-issued bonds are not state debt; payment depends on state appropriations under service contracts. The mental-health facility bond ceiling rises from $13.639554 billion to $14.299452 billion. The budget director, consulting commissioners, allocates approved facility financing among the mental health, developmental disabilities, and addiction services offices. Both ceilings exclude specified reserve, issuance, and refinancing bonds; the mental-health exclusions apply to bonds issued after April 1, 2025.

Kids gain default online privacy protections

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered platforms must check whether New York users are under 18 before offering specified features. When referenced age-check rules are unavailable, platforms must offer multiple privacy-conscious methods, including one without government ID or allowing anonymity. By default, adults not already connected to a covered minor face limits on private contact, full profiles, location, media responses or downloads, and tagging. Platforms cannot recommend minors' profiles to those adults except through contact syncing; parents control each setting separately, while safety, support, legal, and emergency actions remain allowed. Children under 13 need parental consent for user connections, and parents can view connected users and linked or requested platforms where integration exists.

Parents can limit kids' game spending

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered platforms must check age before offering specified in-game purchases involving money or digital currency. Parents of covered minors can set a monthly spending limit or choose not to set one. Parents can view transaction histories showing other users and amounts of money or digital currency. A platform offering extra spending after the limit must get parental consent before charging. The law sets no required spending-limit amount.

Parents control kids' AI companion access

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered platforms must check age before offering an integrated AI companion. The feature is off by default for covered minors, but a parent can approve access. Platforms must notify parents when a minor requests approval to change the setting. Fictional game characters are excluded when their conversations stay within the game and avoid the user's real life, emotions, or personal affairs.

Utilities must offer inflation-limited rate options

Covered utilities seeking major rate changes must submit a budget-limited option alongside their recommended proposal. That option's total revenue increase cannot exceed the average yearly consumer price index increases over the previous three years. Larger increases need proof of necessity for safety, reliability, or continuation of specified affordability programs; this is not an absolute rate cap. Gas and electric filings must identify energy-efficiency programs and cost-effective electrification upgrades. Utilities must track spending and results, explaining major differences at least yearly for gas, electric, and steam, and every two years for water.

Utility customers get excess earnings back

Covered gas and electric companies generally must return earnings above their allowed return over a 12-month period. Customers usually receive a clearly labeled credit on one bill; very small credits may support later rate-case benefits. The law allows exceptions for Commission-approved savings or efficiency gains and an allowance tied to 0.25 percentage points of return. Customers together must receive at least as much as the company keeps in excess earnings. Companies must report excess earnings and returns annually.

Utility monitors seek savings and refunds

Beginning January 1, 2027, regulators can appoint independent monitors when rate decisions push residential energy burdens above 3% for electricity or gas, or 6% combined. Monitors report publicly at least twice yearly, serve at least one year, and generally end with a later major rate decision. Utilities must provide records and meeting access, and promptly comply with investigations. Regulators must order worthwhile savings measures within 180 days and explain specified decisions not to act. Credible, actionable evidence of legal violations requires investigation or enforcement; money recovered through these investigations goes to affected residential and small non-residential customers as bill credits.

Utility rates face new affordability checks

Beginning January 1, 2027, gas and electric utilities must report annually how much of residential customers' income goes toward energy. The Public Service Commission sets the method and uses public data wherever practical. Major rate filings must publicly show current and proposed energy burdens and possible solutions, while protecting confidential details. Regulators must weigh total rate impacts, low- and middle-income customers' interests, and household energy burdens, then explain their affordability actions. Regulators must also link executive pay and customer-funded bonuses to affordability and consider changing allowed returns, excluding factors outside utility control, such as supply prices.

Rejected utility increases leave existing rates

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Public Service Commission’s rejection of a major utility rate request leaves existing terms in place. Rates, charges, and terms from before the filing remain until the commission approves a new schedule. An authorized temporary rate or charge can apply instead. The rule does not freeze future rates.

Fewer repeat insurance reviews for patients

Insurers and health maintenance organizations can review an approved outpatient chronic-care treatment course no more than once a year. The year starts on the pre-authorization approval date. The condition must be expected to last at least one year and need ongoing treatment to manage it or prevent harm. A provider-recommended change can allow review of a new treatment course. New treatment, tests, or procedures outside the approved course may still need separate pre-authorization.

Health coverage help continues for displaced workers

New York extends its health insurance continuation assistance demonstration project for eligible displaced workers. The project expires and is repealed on July 1, 2027. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment and preserves eligibility retroactive to July 1, 2004. Assistance remains limited to displaced workers who qualify under the project; no payment amount is specified.

Patients can keep providers after enrollment

New health plan enrollees can choose to keep their current out-of-network provider for ongoing treatment for up to 90 days. For people pregnant at enrollment, continued care covers the pregnancy and postpartum care directly related to delivery. Providers must accept the plan’s payment terms and follow its quality, information, and policy requirements. The law removes the former qualifying-condition restrictions.

College employees keep covered work protections

SUNY and related project entities cannot outsource specified public-employee work, or similar work, at the authorized property. Current unclassified-service work at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry must stay with those employees. Work ordinarily performed by employees covered by Civil Service Law article 14 must also stay with them. Covered employees retain contract and collective-bargaining rights and protection against displacement or loss of position.

Employers add more to retirement savings

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered employers increase payments into employees' optional retirement plans. Education Department, State University, and City University plan participants must have been initially appointed on or after April 1, 2012. Employers contribute 9% of salary during the first seven employment years and 11% afterward. For City University, those rates replace 8% and 10%. Covered employees outside a bargaining unit, initially hired on or after July 1, 2013, receive a 9% employer contribution.

Islip airport workers keep job protections

Town of Islip employees retain job rights, benefits, civil service status, and bargaining protections during airport work directly undertaken by the town. The town cannot displace covered employees or reduce non-overtime hours, wages, or benefits without their consent. It also cannot transfer specified existing or future duties exclusively performed by town employees to contractors at town-operated and maintained facilities.

More overtime can count toward pensions

Beginning January 1, 2027, the covered pension rules allow up to $30,000 in yearly overtime. The ceiling rises 3% each year afterward. The rule covers eligible state and local employee and state teacher retirement members who first joined on or after January 1, 2010. It also covers specified New York City revised-plan members. Counting more overtime can increase their pension calculations.

More pension credit and election time

Beginning April 1, 2026, members covered by retirement plans § 383-e or § 383-f can count qualifying § 381-b service. This adds service credit used to determine retirement benefits. Eligible members can elect coverage by December 31, 2026, or one year after starting an eligible job, whichever is later. The election rule covers § 383-e members joining January 9, 2010–June 30, 2025, and § 383-f members joining before January 9, 2010. Members must file the prescribed election form with the comptroller; the choice is final.

More worker overtime counts toward pensions

For covered members retiring on or after January 1, 2027, more overtime can count toward final average salary. The overtime threshold rises from 15% to 25% of annual non-overtime wages. Overtime above that threshold is excluded from this pension salary calculation.

Some public workers pay less toward pensions

Beginning October 1, 2026, qualifying members who first joined on or after April 1, 2012, pay lower pension contribution rates. Covered systems are New York State and Local Employees’, New York City Employees’, and New York City Board of Education Retirement Systems. Rates use base wages from the second preceding plan year; members earning $55,000 or less keep their prior rates. Above $55,000, rates are 3% through $75,000; 4% through $100,000; 5.25% through $125,000; and 5.75% above $125,000. New York City Employees’ Retirement System members in the section 604-c plan are excluded.

Climate planning must weigh household costs

The environmental department must weigh affordability and energy costs when designing required greenhouse-gas programs. It must also consider feasibility, jobs, economic growth, health, environmental results, resources, and low- or zero-emission technology development. Programs considered must include economy-wide cap-and-invest and clean-energy supply standards. This planning rule does not itself establish household charges or benefits.

More clean-energy benefits for disadvantaged communities

State agencies and authorities must, to the extent practicable, aim to send 45% of covered clean-energy benefits to disadvantaged communities. The minimum share rises from 35% to 40%. Covered spending includes energy efficiency, housing, job training, pollution reduction, low-income energy help, transportation, and economic development. Funds already contracted or committed are unchanged.

More funding for correctional facilities and operations

The law transfers $138.272 million from the General Fund to the Correctional Facilities Capital Improvement Fund. It also transfers $23.773 million to the Correctional Industries Internal Service account. The money supports facility improvements and correctional industry operations, without establishing household payments or new service eligibility.

Worshippers gain protection against blocked access

Knowingly or intentionally blocking worship-site entry or exit so passage becomes unreasonably difficult or hazardous is a class B misdemeanor. The offense also covers knowing or intentional conduct within 50 feet that puts someone seeking access in reasonable fear for safety. Covered worship-site areas include entrances, parking lots, driveways, and adjoining sidewalks.

More funding authority for university hospitals

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, New York authorizes up to $100 million from the General Fund. It covers costs at the State University Health Science Center at Brooklyn and/or SUNY Hospital at Brooklyn. Transfers require the budget director’s request and an approved plan. Separately, up to $55 million can move from SUNY hospital and Long Island Veterans’ Home accounts to SUNY’s Capital Projects Fund. Those transfers support hospital operations and capital projects, require the chancellor’s or designee’s request, and end June 30, 2027.

State funds healthcare programs and facilities

New York moves $750 million from its General Fund to the Healthcare Stability Fund. It also moves $159 million from that fund to Health Care Reform Act programs. Separate General Fund transfers provide $5 million for occupational health clinics and $60 million for mental hygiene facility improvements. These transfers do not set household payments or change individual eligibility.

State colleges gain funding transfer flexibility

Money can move either way between SUNY’s Dormitory Income Fund and Residence Hall Rehabilitation Fund. Transfers are capped at $125 million from each fund and require direction from the budget director and SUNY leadership. SUNY’s chancellor or designee must also move estimated tuition balances from the Collection Fund to the General Revenue Offset account. That transfer is due by March 31, 2027. These provisions do not set new tuition or housing charges.

Speed-device violations trigger vehicle registration suspensions

New York City's intelligent speed assistance program is authorized through July 1, 2032. After city notification of a subsequent covered violation, the state suspends the involved vehicle's registration for 12 months. Owners also face suspension for failing to install a required device and provide proof within 45 days after the deadline. That suspension lasts until the city confirms installation and proof. Both suspensions begin no earlier than 30 days after notice is sent.

Unresolved summonses can block vehicle registration

Vehicle registration or renewal can be denied after at least three qualifying summonses or other notices within 18 months. A court, violations bureau, or tribunal must certify a failure to appear or comply, including after a final decision. Traffic camera violations bureaus are included. The hold lasts only while the required response or compliance remains outstanding.

New retirement contribution rates for workers

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered workers contribute 3% at wages up to $75,000 and 4% above $75,000 through $100,000. Rates are 5.25% above $100,000 through $125,000 and 5.75% above $125,000. The tier uses wages from two plan years earlier; the police/fire system uses base wages. Covered state and local police/fire members must have first joined on or after April 1, 2012. Education Department Optional Retirement Program participants must have elected that program and been appointed on or after April 1, 2012.

Dairy promotion brings charges and records

Dairy promotion orders can assess covered producers up to 2% per hundredweight of their milk's gross value. Dealers can be required to deduct assessments from milk payments, with credits for qualifying contributions. While a federal dairy promotion order operates, the state assessment cannot fall below the specified maximum federal credit. Approved petitioning cooperatives can be required to advance money, repaid from later order funds. A petition from at least 25% of area producers can prompt a hearing and vote on rate changes. Orders can also require dealer records, reports, and audits to verify assessment payments.

Longer utility reviews and multi-year rates

For rate requests filed beginning January 1, 2027, regulators can delay proposed utility rates for up to 14 months. They must explain the delay in writing while hearings and decisions are pending. Beginning that date, regulators can also approve additional multi-year rate changes in major gas, electric, or steam rate cases. Each approval must explain the evidence and public-interest reasons behind it. Longer review can delay increases, while multi-year decisions can set future charges; the law sets no bill amount.

Repeat speeders face devices and costs

New York City can establish a speed-device program by local law. It targets owners with 16 final liability decisions for qualifying school-zone speeding involving the same vehicle within 12 months. Installation lasts 12 months initially, then 24 months for a second order within 10 years after completing the first term. A third order within 15 years after the first term lasts 36 months; later orders last until agency-approved removal. Owners generally pay installation, maintenance, and removal costs, but the program can offer inability-to-pay relief and installments. Owners can contest orders; a properly contested term starts only after the order is upheld. Proof of installation is due within 30 days after the installation deadline. Specified government, shared-worker, taxi-regulated, and emergency vehicles are exempt, with an exception for business vehicles assigned to one worker after an order. Covered device data is shielded from the specified public-records disclosure rule, and city purchasing must follow state procurement rules. The authorization and related protections end July 1, 2032.

City police can buy prior-service credit

Effective upon enactment, New York City police members can count listed prior jobs toward pension eligibility and amounts. Eligible work includes city school safety, corrections, and traffic enforcement jobs or supervisory roles, and either police cadet program. That work must immediately precede service in the city's uniformed police force. Members must pay or transfer required contributions plus 5% interest per year. A transfer or withdrawal from the city employees' retirement system ends membership there and forfeits its credited service.

Project workers gain wage and labor protections

Covered construction and improvement work at Farmingdale, Southampton, and another authorized project must follow New York's public-work prevailing-wage rules. This includes building, demolition, excavation, rehabilitation, repair, and renovation, with enforcement as for state contracts. The ground lessees must require project labor agreements for all contractors and subcontractors; Southampton's agreement must follow Labor Law § 222(2)(a). On the separately described authorized project, only contractors and subcontractors signing the negotiated agreement can work. Long Island MacArthur Airport development agreements must also require Labor Law § 222 project labor agreements for resulting private design-build contracts.

Special pension plans change employee payments

Members enrolled under retirement plan § 383-f stop paying that section's required employee contributions beginning July 1, 2025. Members enrolled under § 383-e must pay the contributions required by § 1204, with no other employee contributions required. For § 383-e, this starts July 1, 2025, for members who first joined the Police and Fire Retirement System earlier. It starts October 1, 2026, for members who first joined on or after July 1, 2025. The supplied provisions do not state the contribution rates.

More borrowing for public safety facilities

Military and Naval Affairs public-protection financing rises from $397 million to a $442 million ceiling. Homeland security and training facility financing rises from $550.5 million to a $728.1 million ceiling. A separate state capital-project ceiling rises from $550.1 million to $616.1 million, including State Police technology, debt service, and leases. Military and separate state capital proceeds can reimburse related General Fund spending. These changes allow more borrowing; specified reserve, issuance-cost, and refinancing bonds do not count toward the ceilings.

New climate targets and narrower emissions accounting

The environmental agency must issue rules by December 31, 2028, aimed at cutting statewide greenhouse gases 60% below 1990 levels by 2040. Rules must pursue that target as far as feasible and cost-effective, and meet the separate emissions limit already in law. The agency must hold workshops, consult climate advisers and stakeholders, and conduct at least two public hearings. Emissions' warming impact is now measured over 100 years instead of 20, excluding extraction and transmission emissions from imported fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide from biological sources is reported separately and excluded from the emissions limit.

Qualified projects can skip environmental review

Agencies can exempt listed housing, parks, trails, large-city schools, water, wastewater, and green-infrastructure projects from state environmental review. Every part of the project must qualify or already be exempt. Housing must use previously disturbed sites and existing water and sewer connections, with flood, agricultural, and coastal-site restrictions. In municipalities with at least one million people, housing caps are 250 units, or 500 in specified districts allowing buildings over 45 feet, with at most 50,000 square feet of specified nonresidential uses and no exclusively industrial zoning. Smaller municipalities generally have a 100-unit cap, reduced to 20 without zoning or increased to 300 in qualifying urban areas, and a 20% nonresidential floor-area limit. Single homes on lots of at least half an acre in large municipalities, or one acre elsewhere, do not qualify. Large-city housing and school applications face hazardous-material rules, certifications, and generally a Phase I site assessment; projects outside these exemptions still face review.

More borrowing for state buildings and equipment

The borrowing ceiling for state office buildings and facilities rises from $2.168331 billion to $2.520806 billion. The ceiling for technology, Department of Law, and related projects rises from $1.873412 billion to $2.004112 billion. Equipment financing rises from $693 million to $793 million, covering computers, research equipment, safety gear, machinery, security systems, and laboratories. These higher limits authorize borrowing rather than separate appropriations. Bonds for debt reserves, issuance costs, and refinancing or repayment do not count toward the ceilings.

City pension debts get new schedules

New York City retirement trustees can elect the revised schedule within 30 days of the election provision's effective date. Effective July 1, 2025, electing systems cancel older unfunded-liability installments payable on or after that date. The June 30, 2024 unfunded liability is paid in 12 annual installments starting in fiscal year 2025–2026. The actuary adjusts the first installment; the next 11 are equal, and first-payment overpayments credit the next year without interest. Later liability adjustments follow the existing post-2010 payment method.

More borrowing allowed for university dormitories

The Dormitory Authority's dormitory revenue-bond limit rises from $1.394 billion to $1.844 billion, allowing $450 million more borrowing. Proceeds can fund only capital work or purposes. Repayment comes solely from assigned dormitory revenues; the bonds are not state or State University debt. Reserve-fund bonds, issuance costs, original issue premium, and refunding bonds do not count toward the ceiling. The authority expands project financing but also allows more debt backed by dormitory revenues.

Farm marketing orders require producer votes

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state can set marketing orders for farm and aquatic products after notice and a hearing. Approval requires 66⅔% of participating producers, or 65% representing 51% of volume, or 51% representing 65% of volume. Orders can govern surplus, quantities, marketing periods, standards, research, and promotion, but cannot cut supply below reasonable consumer demand. Affected businesses can pay fees up to 5% of gross sales, purchases, or amounts handled; unused assessments can be refunded or carried over. Changes or termination require at least 50% approval among voting producers, and a 25% producer petition requires state consideration. The state can suspend an order for up to one growing and marketing season.

Camera ticket hearings and refunds protected

Traffic camera bureaus must follow hearing, liability, and default procedures for covered camera violations and notify people who contest charges. A timely contest and hearing request blocks fines or penalty notices before the hearing; upheld penalties cannot exceed the original charge. Appeals must be served within 30 days after the final determination is entered. When a charge is overturned, collected money must be refunded within 30 days, minus outstanding fines or penalties. Late refunds accrue a penalty at the rate charged for late fine payments.

Camera ticket recipients gain case protections

You can request dismissal of a camera notice if the bureau leaves a relevant, reasonable inquiry unanswered for 45 days. The inquiry must use certified or registered mail, with a return receipt requested; dismissal requires your request. If a bureau closes after its local authority or monitoring agreement ends, pending cases transfer rather than disappear. Transfer delays not caused by you cannot increase your penalty or otherwise harm your case. A respondent who fails to appear must receive at least one postponement.

Health plans reveal drug and approval information

Health insurers providing prescription coverage must post public drug lists without requiring an account, password, or enrollment. Lists must identify which health plan they apply to. Beginning September 1, 2027, the state health-insurance guide must include annual pre-authorization information. Insurers and covered health plans must submit data by March 1 each year on requests, approvals, denials, appeals, reversals, and specified measures for the top 25 procedure codes. These disclosures help consumers compare plans but do not change coverage or drug prices.

Insurers must explain large premium increases

Insurers must explain covered premium increases above 10%, excluding increases from added insured value, with the premium bill. The explanation must identify the main pricing factors. Auto and mostly residential property insurers must prominently tell customers they can request written renewal explanations. After a written request at renewal, the insurer has 20 days to respond. Auto insurers must also identify rate cuts caused by the 2026–2027 budget reforms.

Local bureaus handle school-bus camera cases

Local governments can authorize traffic camera bureaus to decide school-bus red-signal cases and set the applicable fine schedule. Owners can present a defense when the vehicle was reported stolen before the violation and remained unrecovered then. Lessors can avoid liability by submitting lease papers and required details within 37 days of notice, identifying the lessee as owner. Bureau-decided cases are exempt from the usual state-distributed penalty split: 90% to counties and 10% to cities, towns, or villages. The law does not specify the replacement revenue split or a change in fine amounts.

Online driver safety courses continue

Beginning April 1, 2026, New York continues its online accident prevention course pilot through April 1, 2028. The law extends access to the existing program without specifying changes to fees, eligibility, or course benefits.

Orange County residents get toll support

The law authorizes up to $3 million for Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge toll discounts for eligible Orange County residents. The Thruway Authority's executive director must submit a plan, and the Budget Director must approve it before spending. The law does not state each resident's discount or detailed eligibility rules.

Platforms must make family safeguards usable

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered platforms cannot use designs that undermine parents' or minors' choices or hinder required safeguards. Platforms cannot raise prices, withhold features, or lower service quality because of compliance, unless necessary to follow the law. These bans cover conduct occurring wholly or partly in New York. Platforms must clearly explain parental consent and controls in at least New York's 12 most commonly spoken languages. The Attorney General must provide related public guidance in those languages.

Smart device users can earn credits

The Excelsior Power Program reduces peak demand through remote operation of voluntarily enrolled smart devices. Participating utility customers can receive bill credits, subject to appropriated funding; the law sets no credit amount. The program must limit temperature adjustments and allow overrides during extreme heat or cold. The Long Island Power Authority and its provider must implement a consistent peak-demand program. The authority must submit an annual public report on implementation, operation, and results.

Speed-device late payments protect credit reports

Late payments for intelligent speed assistance devices required by New York City local law cannot appear as adverse consumer-report information. Covered costs include installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and removal. The protection does not cancel the debt or payment duty. This rule expires July 1, 2032.

Stronger checks on utility bill costs

Major rate filings must disclose median employee pay, each senior manager's pay, and the employee-to-CEO pay ratio. Utilities must explain each capital project's policy goals, alternatives to wires or pipes, and expected benefits; regulators publish and review these details. The Public Service Commission must limit costs passed to customers for preparing, attending, participating in, or appealing rate cases within 270 days after that rule takes effect. Beginning January 1, 2027, customer rates cannot cover specified lobbying, lobbying-group dues, political donations, charity or chamber contributions, public relations, or advertising. Specified executive travel and meal costs above federal daily allowances are also excluded; requested legislative appearances, information responses, and permit applications remain exceptions.

Thermostat credit participants gain stronger protections

Excelsior Power utilities must get written enrollment consent and keep it for seven years after a customer leaves. Customers can leave as easily as they enrolled, without fees or penalties, and receive unapplied earned credits on their next bill. Customers can override thermostats without penalties, although credits can reflect reduced participation. Utilities must collect only needed information, encrypt it, protect devices from unauthorized access, and delete information when service ends, except for required records. Sharing is barred except under a lawful subpoena, warrant, or other legal requirement; state regulators can use the data only to run or enforce the program.

Campus workers gain protections against outsourcing

The law protects covered Farmingdale and Southampton public employees from specified outsourcing, displacement, and loss of employment rights. At Southampton, it also bars privatizing public employees' work or similar work on the property. Work ordinarily done by employees covered by Civil Service Law article 14 must remain with those employees. At Stony Brook, SUNY and related entities cannot privatize covered unclassified-service work or outsource it to the listed lessee-related entities. Applicable contracts, job protections, and collective-bargaining rights remain protected.

Extra pay excluded when setting pension rates

From April 1, 2022, through March 31, 2028, covered pension contribution rates use base wages from two plan years earlier. Overtime does not count when selecting the rate, including for covered state and local police and fire retirement members. Applicable retirement systems also exclude extracurricular pay and other pensionable earnings beyond base wages. These rules affect the rate selected, not whether every dollar of extra pay is pensionable.

Dairy producers vote on promotion orders

The state can issue dairy promotion orders after notice and a hearing. An order requires participation by at least 51% of area producers and approval by at least 51% of voters. Producers can vote individually or through qualifying cooperatives. Cooperatives must give members at least 60 days' written notice and can submit approval within 120 days after the referendum announcement.

Autonomous vehicle authorization lasts longer

The law extends the existing authorization concerning autonomous vehicle technology from April 1, 2026, to April 1, 2028. It does not specify changes to the authorization's operating rules.

Environmental reviews get firm decision deadlines

Agencies must decide whether an environmental impact statement is needed as early as possible. That decision is due within one year after the lead agency is established. For projects needing permits or approvals, the statement is due within two years after a draft is required. Written extensions require applicant consultation and must address project changes, unexpected actions, missing information despite good-faith efforts, or events beyond either party's control. These deadlines do not remove environmental review requirements.

More funding for hazard mitigation loans

The law transfers $6 million from the General Fund to the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan account. The provision does not identify eligible borrowers, set loan terms, or establish direct household borrowing rights.

More funding for justice and recruitment

The law transfers $38.938 million from the General Fund to the Criminal Justice Improvement account. It also transfers $2.587 million to the Recruitment Incentive account for public protection recruitment programs. The provisions do not identify particular justice services or set recruitment incentive eligibility and payment amounts.

New York City adds civil judges

The law adds 10 New York City Civil Court judge positions. Bronx, New York, and Queens counties each get two; Kings gets three, and Richmond gets one. Voters elect the judges November 3, 2026, and their terms begin January 1, 2027.

Remote public meetings remain an option

New York public bodies can continue allowing video and remote participation through July 15, 2028, instead of July 1, 2026. Existing legal requirements and limits still apply. The law extends the option rather than requiring every public body to offer it.

Families gain online safety enforcement tools

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Attorney General can sue to stop violations of the law's online platform protections. Available remedies include restitution, recovery of unlawful gains, damages, and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. The Attorney General must maintain a public website for complaints, information, and referrals. These tools do not guarantee an automatic household payment.

Five veterans’ homes receive account funding

The law moves $13,000 to each of five veterans’ home accounts from veterans assistance accounts. The homes are in New York City, Oxford, western New York, the lower Hudson Valley, and Long Island. These transfers do not create direct payments or change eligibility for veterans or their families.

Opioid settlement money supports capital projects

The law transfers $20 million from the Opioid Settlement Fund to its capital projects account. It also authorizes a separate $20 million transfer back to the Opioid Settlement Fund. The transfers support settlement-funded capital projects, without naming individual recipients or setting household benefits.

More funding for neighborhood work projects

The law transfers $1 million from the General Fund to the Neighborhood Work Project account. The provision does not set participant eligibility, identify specific projects, or establish payments to participants.

More funding for workplace safety programs

The law transfers $23 million to occupational safety and health training and education programs. That includes $22 million from the Interest and Penalty Account and $1 million from the Public Work Enforcement account. It also transfers $4 million from Public Work Enforcement to the OSHA Inspection account for workplace safety inspections. These transfers fund programs, not direct payments to workers.

More funding to protect child performers

The law moves $600,000 from the Department of Labor fee and penalty account to the Child Performer Protection Fund. The money supports New York's child performer protection program. This provision does not change eligibility or provide direct payments to performers or their families.

Residents get another school oversight hearing

Covered school-district monitors must hold three public hearings within 60 days of appointment, instead of two. The third hearing must take public comments on academic performance. The board and monitors must consider public comments when developing the district improvement plan.

Wyandanch schools must plan and improve

Wyandanch's school board and monitors must develop a five-year academic and budget improvement plan by November 1, 2026. It covers 2026-27 through 2030-31, including financial stability, academic results, disability services, English learners, and student well-being. A public hearing is required, with the plan and any disagreements posted at least three business days beforehand. The plan needs Commissioner approval; unresolved disagreements go to the Commissioner by December 1, 2026, for action by January 15, 2027. When a monitor reports a possible violation, related district actions must pause while the Commissioner decides within 20 days. A confirmed violation requires immediate compliance and fixes.

Chipmakers gain limited backup power exemption

Qualifying semiconductor backup power facilities are exempt from the state's major power-plant siting law through December 31, 2030. Generation must provide emergency power during limited electric-service disruptions. The manufacturer must be a Green CHIPS project awarded specified tax credits between August 12, 2022, and December 31, 2026. Required air permits and state environmental review remain necessary.

Municipalities get clean vehicle rebate authority

New York can provide municipalities rebates of $2,500 to $30,000 per eligible clean vehicle. Rebates are available only until the annual allocation runs out. This authority ends April 1, 2029. The law does not state the annual funding total or offer these rebates directly to households.

Transit contract rules last another year

Specified Metropolitan Transportation Authority contract rules continue until April 1, 2027, instead of April 1, 2026. Qualifying contracts entered before April 1, 2027, remain valid for their agreed duration after the rules expire.

Grid planning considers more local energy

The Public Service Commission must consider grid upgrades that make room for more distributed energy resources. Its planning must weigh affordability, reliable service, customer needs, and costs. The law does not require a specific upgrade or promise household savings.

State accounts gain cash flow loans

The Comptroller must make authorized cash-management loans to listed state and federal fund accounts under state finance law. State accounts include transportation, health, education, environment, and housing purposes. Federal accounts include nutrition, health and human services, education, and unemployment insurance. Federal-account loans require enough federal grant authority to reimburse them. The provisions state no loan amounts and create no household loan program.

State development lending authority lasts longer

Specified Urban Development Corporation loan authority continues until July 1, 2027, when it expires. Loans made before expiration remain unaffected. A separate development-law provision also continues until July 1, 2027, instead of July 1, 2026. The supplied text does not describe loan amounts, borrower eligibility, or the separate provision's activities.

University hospitals gain backup funding transfers

Other State University of New York funds can cover shortfalls in the specified hospital account. Transfers can support hospital operating costs or authorized General Fund transfers for hospital debt payments. The Comptroller must consult the university chancellor or a designee. The authority ends March 31, 2027, and states no dollar amount or new patient payment duty.

Babylon state land supports housing development

The Transportation Commissioner can transfer about 12.5 acres of state land in Babylon to the Urban Development Corporation. Its request for proposals must call for developing, building, maintaining, and operating housing-supporting facilities and amenities. Later land transfers must follow those stated purposes and terms. The law sets no number of homes, prices, eligibility rules, or completion date.

Forestry campus gains student housing authority

SUNY can make land available to Abby Lane Housing Corporation for undergraduate and graduate housing and amenities without public bidding. The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry housing lease can last up to 100 years but cannot transfer full ownership. Approval is required from the Budget Division director, Attorney General, and State Comptroller. Land and improvements return to SUNY when the authorized use ends or the agreement expires. The law sets no housing count, rent, or affordability requirement.

Long Island campuses gain housing lease authority

SUNY can lease 9.26 acres to Farmingdale State Development Corporation for housing-supporting facilities and amenities for up to 99 years. The Farmingdale lease must be signed within five years after the law takes effect. SUNY can also lease land to Stony Brook Southampton Housing Development Corp. for up to 99 years without public bidding. Both require Budget Division, Attorney General, and Comptroller approval; land and improvements return to SUNY when authorized use ends, and Southampton's also return at lease expiration. Project contracts can allow public or private financing secured by lease rights or assigned rents and leases; no home count or rent level is set.

More financing for schools and care facilities

The bond and note ceiling for listed education and community capital projects rises from $440.397 million to $485.96 million. Eligible projects include State Education Department projects, special act districts, schools for blind and deaf students, and approved private special-education schools. Non-public and Native American Indian Nation schools, community centers, day care facilities, and residential or day camps also qualify. Reserve-fund, issuance-cost, and refinancing debt do not count toward the ceiling. The increase expands financing authority, not household eligibility for education or care.

University funds can cover campus debt

The law authorizes transfers from SUNY's General Revenue account to the state General Fund for campus capital-project debt payments. The limits are $16 million for the University at Buffalo and $6.5 million for the University at Albany. These projects fall under the NY-SUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program. Transfers require the budget director's request, in consultation with the SUNY chancellor or designee. Both authorizations end March 31, 2027, and do not specify tuition changes.

White Plains project allows labor agreements

Authorized work tied to the District Galleria project in White Plains can use a project labor agreement. Decision-makers consider fraud prevention, delays, possible cost savings, and local labor-unrest history. Agreements are allowed, not required. This authority ends ten years after the act takes effect.

Existing motor vehicle fees last longer

Beginning April 1, 2026, existing increases in covered motor vehicle transaction fees continue through April 1, 2028. They were previously set to expire April 1, 2026. Separate provisions governing Department of Motor Vehicles costs also continue through April 1, 2028. The supplied text does not identify the fee amounts or the costs governed by those separate provisions.

Campus projects face contract and lease limits

Covered Farmingdale and Southampton project contracts and leases must follow state minority- and women-owned business requirements. Contractors, subcontractors, lessees, and sublessees are treated as state agencies for those requirements. For two covered university land authorizations, the State University of New York must execute leases within five years of the act's effective date. After that deadline, those authorizations cannot be used to lease the land.

School bus tickets get local hearings

Covered local governments must establish traffic camera violations bureaus to decide owner liability for school-bus camera tickets. Existing programs must establish the required tribunal by September 1, 2027; new programs must do so when they start. New York City and places using specified qualifying bureaus or courts are exempt. After deciding liability, a camera bureau can enter and enforce a civil money judgment without another court case. These provisions do not change fine amounts.

Cleaner Greener rules continue through 2031

Existing rule changes from the Cleaner, Greener NY Act of 2013 remain in effect until April 1, 2031. They were set to expire April 1, 2026. The supplied text does not describe the rules or their costs and benefits.

Environmental challenges use final decision dates

For environmental-review challenges, the filing clock starts when an agency's approval or rejection becomes final and binding on the petitioner. The same rule applies when the petitioner represents someone bound by the decision. The law changes the event that starts the deadline, not the length of the filing period.

Food laboratory construction borrowing limit rises

The Dormitory Authority’s borrowing ceiling for the state Agriculture and Markets food laboratory rises from $41.175 million to $41.29 million. Eligible costs include design, financing, land and site work, construction, rehabilitation, equipment, and infrastructure. This permits more borrowing, rather than a separate appropriation. Debt-reserve, issuance-cost, and refinancing or repayment bonds do not count toward the ceiling.

Higher borrowing limit for youth facilities

The borrowing ceiling for youth facility and related capital projects rises from $1.217755 billion to $1.27058 billion. Proceeds enter the youth facilities improvement or capital projects fund for projects funded through Children and Family Services appropriations. This increases borrowing authority, not individual service eligibility. Specified reserve, issuance-cost, and refinancing obligations issued after April 1, 2025, do not count toward the ceiling.

Separate reviews for subway extension parts

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority must review the 125 Street Subway Extension’s underground tunnel under the state environmental review law. Other project parts require a separate applicable review. The reviews do not have to run together or include each other. Agencies must finish each part’s review before specified approvals, permits, eminent-domain acquisitions, discretionary actions, or construction authorizations for that part.

Work-zone speed cameras cover more highways

Work-zone speed cameras can cover more highways under the state transportation commissioner's control, not just controlled-access highways. The program remains limited to 40 monitored work areas, with no cameras on exit ramps. Owners face liability when a vehicle used with their permission exceeds the posted limit by more than 10 mph during active work. Owner liability does not apply when the driver is convicted of the underlying speeding violation. These changes expire when the work-zone camera law is repealed.

Site safeguards required for review exemptions

Applicants seeking covered environmental-review exemptions must certify that they completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. They must certify past and future compliance with hazardous-waste laws and assessment recommendations, and promise required contamination reports. These duties do not apply to agency-started actions. They also do not apply when the applicant previously received the specified exemption for the same parcel.

Wyandanch budgets require review and disclosure

Wyandanch's school board must send its next-year budget to monitors by March 1. Monitors check the budget against the long-term improvement plan, revenue and spending estimates, and required programs. The Commissioner must require recommended changes needed to meet the plan, and monitors must present findings 45 days before the vote. Initial and final proposed budgets and monitor findings must be posted online at least seven days before the budget hearing. For a revote, the board and monitors must submit the budget to the Commissioner at least seven days before the hearing.

Wyandanch schools face stronger outside oversight

The Education Commissioner can appoint up to two monitors to oversee and advise Wyandanch schools on education and finances. They serve at the Commissioner's pleasure and, at appointment, cannot be district residents, employees, or relatives of board members. Monitors can attend all board meetings, including closed sessions, and receive needed records and system access subject to privacy laws. The board must consult them on its conflict-of-interest policy. The Commissioner can overrule monitor decisions except those involving collective bargaining agreements negotiated under state public-employee bargaining law.

Islip gains airport rail project tools

Islip can use a lease and development agreement for MacArthur Airport's north terminal and connection to Ronkonkoma's rail station. The Town Board must approve it and select a responsive, responsible developer through the lowest responsible bid or best value. Best value weighs quality, cost, efficiency, price, and performance, including experience, labor, and safety factors. The lease and resulting private design or construction contracts need no separate public-work procurement and receive a specified professional-practice exemption. Contracts must still require licensed professionals for regulated services, proper stamping or sealing, and federal environmental compliance where applicable.

Grid connections gain cost transparency rules

Electric companies must track actual distribution-upgrade costs and share them with regulators and the energy-resource company paying for each upgrade. Regulators must start a reporting proceeding within 90 days; documented annual reports on completed connection upgrades are due March 31. Regulators must review cost-certainty proposals and order action when overruns exist and a proposal protects grid operations without raising customer costs. Electric companies must also develop statewide flexible-connection proposals and seek public comment. A further proceeding, including guidelines and timelines, is required only for a viable proposal that does not meaningfully raise specified customer or grid-operation costs; no final program or bill reduction is guaranteed.

Utilities fund state energy program costs

Beginning April 1, 2026, qualifying gas and electric companies must reimburse up to $28.725 million for specified state energy programs. Companies qualify with more than $500,000 in prior-year intrastate utility revenue; shares depend on 2024 electricity and gas revenues. The state must bill companies by August 10, 2026, with payment due September 10, 2026. NYSERDA cannot commit the money before the Budget Director approves a comprehensive financial plan. Uncommitted or unspent fiscal-year money must be refunded in proportion to company shares; no household charge is set.

Highway funds get tighter spending rules

Certain highway and bridge trust fund transfers now go to the General Fund instead of the revenue bond tax fund. Transfers to the general debt service fund remain in place. These transfers cover specified service-contract and financing-agreement payments. The trust fund can no longer pay Department of Motor Vehicles staffing or other operating costs. The changes do not impose a new household tax or fee.

State changes how refinanced debt counts

Beginning April 1, 2026, the state changes how refinanced state-supported debt counts toward principal and debt-service calculations. For debt first issued on or after April 1, 2000, new refinancing debt replaces the old debt in those calculations until retired. Refinancing debt for obligations first issued before April 1, 2000, is included in the outstanding-principal calculation. Refinancing debt first issued on or after April 1, 2000, must follow the cited state constitutional requirements.

Project leases gain financing and safeguards

Covered property contracts and leases can arrange public or private financing to complete the authorized project. Financing can use leasehold mortgages or assignments of rents and leases as security. Covered ground lessees, including Farmingdale's, must award project contracts competitively. Required lease terms make lessees or sublessees defend and protect SUNY or the covered lessor against specified property-damage and injury claims arising from occupancy. Covered construction contracts and leases must follow state minority- and women-owned business participation rules.

Airport contractors must follow business participation rules

Contracts under the Long Island MacArthur Airport project act must follow applicable minority- and women-owned business requirements. Projects or public works receiving federal aid must also follow applicable federal disadvantaged-business or minority- and women-owned business requirements. The law does not set a specific contract award or business share.

Farm marketing programs change agency oversight

Beginning July 1, 2026, specified marketing orders and regulations remain in force despite repeal of their former authorizing sections. Existing contracts continue and move to the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Related undisbursed funds must transfer by the 45th day after the act's effective date. Assessments due must go to the Department beginning on the 30th day after that date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Budget
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 163 • No: 43

Senate vote • 5/26/2026

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 53 • No: 10

House vote • 5/26/2026

Assembly floor vote

Yes: 110 • No: 33

Actions Timeline

SIGNED CHAP.58
5/26/2026House
DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR
5/26/2026House
RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
5/26/2026Senate
PASSED SENATE
5/26/2026Senate
MESSAGE OF NECESSITY - 3 DAY MESSAGE
5/26/2026Senate
3RD READING CAL.1328
5/26/2026Senate
SUBSTITUTED FOR S9008C
5/26/2026Senate
REFERRED TO FINANCE
5/26/2026Senate
DELIVERED TO SENATE
5/26/2026House
PASSED ASSEMBLY
5/26/2026House
MESSAGE OF NECESSITY - 3 DAY MESSAGE
5/26/2026House
ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.210
5/26/2026House
RULES REPORT CAL.210
5/26/2026House
REPORTED
5/26/2026House
REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES
5/26/2026House
PRINT NUMBER 10008C
5/25/2026House
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO WAYS AND MEANS
5/25/2026House
PRINT NUMBER 10008B
3/9/2026House
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO WAYS AND MEANS
3/9/2026House
PRINT NUMBER 10008A
2/20/2026House
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO WAYS AND MEANS
2/20/2026House
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
1/21/2026House

Bill Text

Amendment C
5/25/2026
PDF
Amendment B
3/9/2026
PDF
Amendment A
2/20/2026
PDF
Original
1/21/2026
PDF

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