New YorkA 73852025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relates to the Rochester school facilities modernization program act

Sponsored By: Harry B. Bronson (Democratic)

Became Law

EDUCATIONWAYS AND MEANSRULES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Bigger budget for phase three schools

The law raises the phase three cap to $600 million and allows up to 12 projects. This lets Rochester modernize more school buildings under the program.

School project debt excluded from city amount

Debt service on financing for these school projects does not count in the city's “city amount.” The exclusion applies up to $325 million for phase one, $435 million for phase two, and $600 million for phase three. It only applies to projects under this law and does not change the formula for other city costs.

Stricter cost caps and stop-work rules

The RJSCB must file cost estimates at schematic design and at 25%, 50%, and 75% plan milestones. For phase two, if total costs are over allowances by more than the lesser of $43 million or 10% and no extra local share is shown, work stops until redesign cuts costs. For phase three, if aidable costs are under 95% of total, work stops until redesign or value‑engineering raises the aidable share.

Extra fiscal checks and contract rebidding

The RJSCB must send key plan parts to the State Comptroller for review and approval. After a project is chosen, the superintendent and the mayor must confirm enough yearly local funds exist before plans go to the Education Commissioner. The program manager and the independent compliance officer for phases two and three must be rebid; other phase‑one or two professional service contracts can be extended only with a public‑interest finding. The RJSCB must deliver its program report by June 30, 2033, or when the 12 phase‑three projects finish, whichever comes first.

More public say and workforce diversity

Before drafting the plan, the RJSCB and district must hold public hearings, with at least one in each affected neighborhood. The plan must include a diversity plan with goals, community input, clear monitoring, and public reporting. All proposed projects must also be listed in a special section of the district’s five‑year capital plan.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Harry B. Bronson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Al Taylor
Democratic • House
Demond Meeks
Democratic • House
Jen Lunsford
Democratic • House
Sarah Clark
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 54 • No: 5

House vote • 6/12/2025

FLOOR Vote