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New YorkS 2772025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relates to community preservation funds for the town of Chester

Sponsored By: James Skoufis (Democratic)

Became Law

LOCAL GOVERNMENTWAYS AND MEANS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Public plan and oversight for land buys

The Town must adopt a Community Preservation Project Plan by local law. The plan lists each project, reviews land‑use options, and makes farmland the top priority. The plan is updated at least every five years, but not before three years, and copies are filed with the town clerk and named state agencies. The town must hold a public hearing before buying any property interests with the fund. An unpaid advisory board of five or seven residents—with a farmer or land‑use experts and no town legislators—reviews and advises on acquisitions.

Chester property transfer tax up to 0.75%

The town can charge a real estate transfer tax up to 0.75% of the sale price. The Town Board must pass a local law and a mandatory referendum to set the rate. Buyers are primarily liable; sellers are liable if buyers do not pay. You pay at recording to the treasurer or agent and file the return then; the return is kept for three years. Refunds for payments made in error are available if the owner applies within two years; tax money is held in a separate trust and earns interest for the fund.

Exemptions and credits for property transfers

Some property transfers do not owe the town transfer tax, such as government deeds, debt‑securing transfers, deed corrections with no extra payment, certain co‑op transfers, and transfers with conservation limits. If you already paid this tax on a lease, option, or purchase contract on the same property, you can claim a credit, limited to the tax due. For co‑ops, credits are limited to the portion of the property conveyed, and co‑op housing corporations must file reports by January 15 and July 15. These rules lower taxes in many cases but add paperwork for co‑ops.

Privacy and collection rules for transfer tax

The treasurer can appoint agents to collect the transfer tax, and a recording officer acting as an agent is not liable for tax amount errors. Transfer‑tax returns are confidential and may be released only by court order or as the law allows. Officials who willfully disclose return information are dismissed and barred from New York public office for five years.

Preservation fund uses and spending limits

The Town establishes a Chester Community Preservation Fund by local law. The fund holds money from the local transfer tax, gifts, and interest, and the money cannot be moved to other accounts. The fund can only pay for projects in the town’s preservation plan, like buying or protecting land, running transfer‑of‑development‑rights, and stewardship. No more than 10% of the fund can pay for management and stewardship. The fund can also repay related debt when allowed by local finance law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • James Skoufis

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 53 • No: 26

committee vote • 6/11/2025

Rules Committee Vote

Yes: 13 • No: 7

Senate vote • 6/11/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 19

Actions Timeline

  1. SIGNED CHAP.464

    10/16/2025Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    10/9/2025Senate

  3. RETURNED TO SENATE

    6/13/2025House

  4. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    6/13/2025House

  5. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.709

    6/13/2025House

  6. SUBSTITUTED FOR A2022A

    6/13/2025House

  7. REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

    6/11/2025House

  8. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    6/11/2025Senate

  9. PASSED SENATE

    6/11/2025Senate

  10. ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.1793

    6/11/2025Senate

  11. COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES

    6/11/2025Senate

  12. PRINT NUMBER 277A

    4/28/2025Senate

  13. AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

    4/28/2025Senate

  14. REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment A

    4/28/2025

    PDF

  • Original

    12/23/2024

    PDF

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