New YorkS 30062025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Enacts into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state education, labor, housing and family assistance budget for the 2025-2026 state fiscal year

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

95 provisions identified: 59 benefits, 6 costs, 30 mixed.

New housing vouchers for low income renters

The state creates a four-year Housing Access Voucher Pilot. Starting March 1, 2026, vouchers are available to people who are homeless or at imminent risk and have income at or below 50% of area median income, regardless of immigration status. Your monthly rent share is the larger of 30% of adjusted income or the housing part of your welfare grant. You must use the voucher in the issuing county (or within NYC) for at least one year before moving it elsewhere, unless waived or you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence. The article remains in force through May 1, 2030 and runs subject to funding.

Extra teacher support funds, bargained

For 2025–2026, the law sets teacher support dollars that are on top of salaries: NYC $62,707,000; Buffalo $1,741,000; Rochester $1,076,000; Yonkers $1,147,000; Syracuse $809,000. Where teachers have a union, raises funded here must be decided in separate bargaining, even if a contract exists.

Magnet school set‑asides for 2025–26

The state sets aside foundation aid to build or expand magnet programs in 2025–26. Examples: NYC $48,175,000 (including $500,000 for Andrew Jackson HS); Yonkers $49,500,000; Buffalo $21,025,000; Rochester $15,000,000; Syracuse $13,000,000. These amounts come from each district’s foundation aid for that year.

Bigger bond caps for transit and safety

Starting April 1, 2025, the state raises bond caps for major projects: $23.705 billion for regional economic development; $6.168 billion for health care capital restructuring; $15.516 billion to assist the MTA; $550.1 million for State Police IT and related projects; $11.117359 billion for correctional and youth facilities; and $397 million for public protection facilities. Bonds for reserve funds, issuance costs, and refundings are excluded. These bonds are not state debt and are paid only from appropriated funds.

Higher borrowing caps for infrastructure projects

The state raises borrowing limits to fund roads, bridges, transit, water systems, security sites, IT, youth facilities, libraries, and campuses. Examples: highways and bridges to about $22.3 billion; SUNY facilities to about $20.9 billion; CUNY to about $12.3 billion; environmental infrastructure to about $14.5 billion. Some bonds exclude amounts for reserves, issuance costs, or refunding, and some are not state debt. This expands capital work across the state.

Bigger bond cap for housing programs

The housing agency can issue up to $16.777964 billion in housing program bonds and notes. Bonds issued after April 1, 2025 for reserve funds, issuance costs, or refunding do not count against the cap. This expands financing for housing projects.

More bonds for school buildings

The state raises education capital bond authority to $440.397 million. Bonds for reserve funds, issuance costs, and refundings are excluded from this total. These bonds are not state debt and are paid only from appropriated funds.

SUNY operations and housing transfers

The state may move up to $1.523 billion to support SUNY operations in 2025–2026, plus up to $55.848 million for operating support. SUNY can shift tuition balances into its income account by March 31, 2026. The comptroller can move up to $125 million between the dormitory and residence hall rehab funds in each direction. Up to $6.5 million may be transferred to pay Albany campus debt by March 31, 2026.

Up to $1.4B into a state fund

For the fiscal year starting April 1, 2025, the State Comptroller can deposit up to about $1.4 billion into a designated state fund. The money comes from personal income tax collections (Article 22). The Director of the Budget must set the schedule and certify the amount as needed for the fund’s purposes.

Higher fines for labor law violations

Employer fines increase. A first violation can be up to $10,000. A second is $2,000 to $25,000. A third or more is $10,000 to $55,000. If a minor is seriously injured or dies during illegal employment, the ranges rise to: $3,000–$30,000 (first), $6,000–$75,000 (second), and $30,000–$175,000 (third or more).

Stronger wage theft enforcement and damages

Workers can get liquidated damages equal to the unpaid wages, and up to 300% for willful equal-pay violations under section 194. Courts must award these amounts unless the employer proves good faith. The Labor Commissioner can assign the wage portion of an order to the worker, file the order with the county clerk, and issue warrants to seize and sell an employer’s property. These steps happen only after the time to seek review has expired and no review is pending.

Higher offering fees, special plan exemption

Real estate offering filing fees are $750 for offerings up to $250,000. For larger offerings, the fee is 0.4% of the total, capped at $60,000. Pay half when you submit and the rest at acceptance; each amendment costs $750. If you file under GBL §352‑eeeee, the standard fees do not apply; the fees in that section apply instead.

Big fund transfers keep programs running

By March 31, 2026, the state moves large sums between accounts to keep programs funded. Examples: $8 billion to the unemployment insurance benefit account and about $2.59 billion to the lottery education account. The budget director can also move up to $1 billion in total from non‑general funds to the General Fund, and the Comptroller can loan cash to many state and federal accounts when federal awards will repay it. The Comptroller may shift balances at agency request and must send certain banking earnings into the banking services account. These actions manage cash flow and timing across programs.

One-time fund transfers for FY 2025–26

Several one‑time transfers support state costs by March 31, 2026. NYSERDA must send $913,000 to the general fund. Up to $25 million may move from bond funds to the general debt service fund to redeem or defease bonds. Up to $25 million may move from named special revenue and enterprise accounts to offset principal and interest otherwise due to the Power Authority; amounts cannot exceed that year’s principal and interest. Specific sums, such as $11.909 million (acct 22653), $182.988 million (acct 22655), and $55.103 million (acct 40350), may shift to the capital projects fund to reimburse maintenance. The Power Authority may transfer up to $10 million to the general fund in the fiscal year starting April 1, 2025.

Short-term state borrowing extended to 2026

The state can issue up to $3 billion in personal income tax revenue notes each fiscal year. Notes must mature by March 31, 2026 and cannot be renewed, extended, or refunded. While these notes are outstanding, certain article 5‑B restrictions do not apply. This authority starts April 1, 2025.

Bigger survivor annuities and wider eligibility

Survivor annuities rise each year when VA benefits rise. The annual increase is rounded up, at least 1% and at most 4%. Eligible survivors now clearly include adoptive and step‑parents, and domestic partners. A child can qualify until 18, or up to 23 while in approved education. Deaths during certain training duties also count for eligibility.

Free school meals for all students

Schools must serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to students. The state tops up payments so each meal gets the full combined free-meal rate. Schools must use federal options, like Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2, to bring in the most federal money. The Department also groups schools and reapplies when it helps maximize federal funding. These rules begin with the 2025–2026 school year and continue each year.

Buildings must fund repairs and fixes

Within 30 days after the plan closes, the seller must fund a reserve for capital repairs needed for health and safety. The reserve equals set percentages of the total price and may require later supplemental payments tied to unit sales. A separate dedicated fund of 0.5% of the total price must be transferred for repairs inside income‑restricted rental units, under agency oversight. Condo boards must report reserve deposits and withdrawals twice a year to owners, the agency, and make them available to tenants.

Local taxes capped for some projects

For eligible affordable housing projects in cities with 1,000,000+ people, combined local and city taxes are capped at 5% of annual shelter rent or carrying charges. Other towns can choose the same cap, but their consent expires every 10 years. Any existing tax break stays while related loans are unpaid.

NYC conversions must keep affordable units

New York City can allow condo conversions that preserve affordable housing in eligible projects. The Attorney General only accepts a plan with a housing agency support letter and if the project meets listed criteria. The plan must include a regulatory agreement that keeps at least 20% of units income‑restricted, rents vacant restricted units to households at or below 60% of area median income, and keeps existing restricted units affordable in perpetuity with rent stabilization. The law also sets clear definitions for these conversion rules.

Stronger protections for vulnerable renters

Starting March 1, 2026, any home in the Housing Access Voucher Pilot must meet state and local health, housing, building, and safety codes through May 1, 2030. Eligible seniors and people with disabilities in preserved buildings cannot be evicted except for serious reasons like non‑payment or illegal use. The law also blocks rent hikes above limits in the state’s good‑cause law. Disputes about eligibility go to the Attorney General, who decides within 30 days.

Stronger tenant protections in preservation plans

The Attorney General must reject a preservation plan if any income‑restricted unit is vacant at filing. Plans are also rejected if long‑term vacant units (unleased over five months) are above 10% or more than twice the building’s recent average. Owners cannot cut off services or disturb tenants; courts can stop this and block sales or plans. Leases and purchase contracts cannot waive these legal protections. These tenant‑protection rules take effect 180 days after the law becomes law. Sections 1–3 repeal six years later, but duties created under them still remain.

Stronger tenant rights during conversions

Tenants in place get a 90‑day exclusive right to buy, and another six‑month window later on the same terms after notice. Non‑purchasers cannot be evicted just for not buying or for lease expiration; only cause like non‑payment or illegal use applies. The same managing agent must serve all units and amenities must be offered fairly; only nominal, approved fees may apply to low‑income tenants. Tenants get written notice with the plan and may request inspections by a licensed architect or engineer. The seller must post any new NYC building or HPD violations within 48 hours where tenants can see them.

Voucher payments and tenant protections

Voucher payments go straight to owners. The payment standard must be 90% to 120% of Fair Market Rent, and up to five months of arrears can be paid to prevent loss of housing. Leases are at least one year (shorter only if locally common and approved), evictions require cause and written notice, and rent must be reasonable versus nearby unassisted units. Units are inspected under federal Housing Choice Voucher standards. If a family moves out, payments stop after that month. Funds are allocated by local rent burden, and up to 10% can cover administration.

Higher unemployment benefit cap

The maximum weekly unemployment check now ties to the state’s average weekly wage. It rises to 48% of the average weekly wage through the increase set for the first Monday of October 2025. Starting the first Monday of October 2026 and each year after, it is 50%, unless the state fund fails a balance test, which pauses that year’s increase. These changes take effect once the labor commissioner confirms enough money was moved into the UI trust fund.

More aid for part time college

The law expands part-time aid. A part-time student now means at least 3 but fewer than 12 credits with a 2.00 GPA or higher. Any term you get a part-time award counts as half a term against your lifetime limit. Lifetime TAP help is generally four years (five if your program normally takes five; some two-year programs get up to three). If your college closed and your credits did not transfer, you may get up to two extra semesters.

Criminal discovery rules expanded

Prosecutors must share more evidence that helps the defense, like statements, police reports, photos, electronic files, and lab details. A good‑faith motion challenging a compliance certificate counts as a pre‑trial motion. Nothing in these rules limits constitutional rights. Starting 90 days after this law became law, the rules apply to cases pending that day and to new cases.

More ways to earn merit time

People in prison can earn merit time by doing assigned work and treatment and meeting set goals. Qualifying goals include a GED, substance‑abuse treatment certificate, a vocational certificate after six months, at least 18 college credits, or 400 hours of community work. The commissioner may add other programs. Credits can be withheld for serious discipline or frivolous lawsuits.

Investor protections and tax-free authority bonds

Public bodies and many financial firms can legally invest in the authority’s bonds. If holders of 25% of a bond issue face certain defaults, they can appoint a trustee, seek court orders in Erie County, and have a receiver run pledged parts of the project. The city may promise not to build competing public parking until bonds are paid (with limits). Lawsuits need a 90‑day claim wait and must start within one year and 90 days. The authority’s property and bond income are tax‑exempt, and the state promises to keep that tax status, except for estate, gift, and transfer taxes.

Local child care funding floor

Each social services district must keep local child care spending at or above its 1995 federal fiscal year level. New York City must spend at least $328 million. If the state loses federal match because a district underspends, the state can withhold money from that district equal to the lost match. This rule starts October 1, 2025.

More funding for housing preservation and aid

For the year ending March 31, 2026, the state can provide about $18.8 million for neighborhood preservation, $8.05 million for rural preservation, $23.455 million for rural rental assistance, $56.381 million for supportive housing and homelessness programs, and $5 million to help nonprofits join an insurance captive. Transfers to reimburse these costs require budget approval and must occur by set dates in 2025 or 2026.

Aid protections and payments for 2025-26

High tax aid rules continue through the 2025–26 school year. Districts remain entitled to their “Academic Enhancement” apportionment for aid payable through 2025–26. In 2025–26, the state cannot withhold foundation aid from a district that used required set-aside funds as the law allows, even if not as requested in an RFP. In cities over 1,000,000 people, the attendance set‑aside must match the base‑year level.

Career education aid now includes 9th grade

Starting with aid payable in 2025–26, career education aid counts students in grades 9–12. Before, only grades 10–12 were eligible. This expands funding to support 9th grade career programs.

Long‑term aid schedule for Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon can apply each year from 2024–25 through 2053–54 for up to $8,000,000 times the remaining fraction of a 30‑year schedule. Apply in the June window each year (special May 11, 2025 deadline for 2024–25). Payments are due by June 30 (May 20 for 2024–25). The district must file monthly fiscal and quarterly budget reports. The state deducts these amounts from general aid in a set order.

More funding for adult job training

For 2025–26, the state can set aside up to $2.5 million to serve adults age 21+ who were not in school last year. The consortium for worker education is reimbursed up to 58.2% of the lower of actual cost or $19.55 per contact hour, with a cap of 1,143,359 hours. This supports more adult education and training slots.

More set‑aside funds to community groups

In 2025–26, a city school district in a city with over 1 million people must give at least one‑third of any set‑aside increase above the base year to community‑based organizations. This is on top of the base‑year allocations.

New rules for school aid counts

The law defines how to count economically disadvantaged students using an unduplicated list of benefit programs. It sets how to compute the rate and a three‑year average, rounded to four decimals. It also defines a three‑year SAIPE poverty rate for aid. For 2025–26, districts get at least the larger of total foundation aid or 1.02 times their foundation aid base.

One‑time help for salaries and pensions

Eligible districts can apply in June 2026 for a special payment to cover salaries paid April 1–June 30, 2025. Large city districts need mayoral approval. Approved amounts are capped by formula and paid the next September. Districts can also apply by June 30, 2026 for an apportionment limited to extra pension accruals from 2004–2006, certified by the board or, for large cities, the mayor.

Pre-K authority extended and magnet funds flexible

The state continues to run universal full‑day pre‑K through June 30, 2026. Districts may use their magnet set‑aside for teaching and support costs to run magnet schools. They may also fund alternative instructional approaches that promote diversity or improve instruction in districts with many minority students.

Statewide policy for dual enrollment

The commissioner sets a single statewide dual‑enrollment policy. K‑12 schools and colleges running these programs must submit yearly participation and outcome data. The department posts the data by January 1 after each school year. Schools must file partnership agreements by September 1, 2026; the state provides a standard form and data points by January 1, 2026.

Stronger oversight of monitored districts

School boards must send proposed budgets to a monitor by March 1. The monitor publishes findings at least 45 days before the budget vote, files reports, and can disallow out‑of‑state travel. For monitored districts, the board and monitor must create an academic plan by November 1, 2025. If they do not agree, the monitor submits a plan by December 1, 2025, and the commissioner must approve a plan by January 15, 2026. Plans require public hearings and posting.

Transitional aid for charter enrollment

Some districts receive extra state aid when many resident students attend charter schools. Eligible pupils = charter pupils minus 20% of total district enrollment, if positive. The payment equals eligible pupils × 0.8 × base‑year charter tuition. This does not apply to city districts in cities with 125,000+ people (2020 census).

Bond issuing flexibility extended, health loans covered

Through March 31, 2030, certain state authorities can issue revenue bonds for each other’s authorized projects. Thruway Authority bonds still need Control Board approval. It also keeps existing rules in place while Dormitory Authority bonds issued on or before March 31, 2025 to loan money to the Health Department remain outstanding. The extension starts April 1, 2025.

Faster, clearer budget and capital reports

The state must send more detailed budget schedules within 10 days after the financial plans. Within 30 days after budget passage, it must file revised financial and capital plans with a monthly cash‑flow analysis. Quarterly updates are due within 30 days of each quarter; the one near October 31 includes a debt‑limit calculation. Capital project totals must match the state’s financial projections; projects may be grouped if item detail is not possible.

Transfers to support SUNY hospital operations

Up to $100 million can move from the General Fund to SUNY hospital accounts from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 under an approved plan for SUNY Brooklyn. The Comptroller may transfer up to $55 million from SUNY hospitals’ income account for operations and capital by June 30, 2026. If the hospitals’ main account lacks cash, money can shift from hospital collection accounts or the State University Income Fund to cover operating costs and required debt service transfers by March 31, 2026.

Up to $25M for clean‑energy jobs

Starting April 1, 2025, the Power Authority may move up to $25,000,000 to the state’s General Fund to support Labor Department programs. Funds back the Office of Just Energy Transition and training and retraining for renewable‑energy jobs, as the Authority’s trustees deem feasible.

New limits on school reimbursements

For BOCES aid, salary counted per person is capped by year: $30,000 (2025–26 and prior), $40,000 (2026–27), $50,000 (2027–28), and $60,000 (2028–29 and after). Admin and clerical costs for BOCES cannot exceed 10% of total expenses. If a district takes the special pension apportionment, the same amount is deducted from next year’s payments in a set order, starting with lottery aid. Roosevelt’s salary apportionment caps phase down: up to $4 million through 2025–26, $3 million in 2026–27, $2 million in 2027–28, $1 million in 2028–29, and $0 in 2029–30.

Unemployment wages cap tied to state average

The law sets the wages exclusion cap at 18% of the state’s average annual wage, rounded up to the next $100. The Labor Commissioner sets the average by May 31 each year using the four most recent QCEW quarters. This change takes effect when the commissioner transfers enough money into the state unemployment insurance trust fund. High or mid earners near the cap may see different treatment under unemployment-related rules that use this definition.

Fines for blocking worker return

If an employer says a replacement is temporary and then does not let the original worker return, the state can fine the employer up to $750 per employee for each week of benefits lost. The money goes into the unemployment insurance control fund.

New statewide work‑permit system for teens

The Labor Department creates a private statewide database for minors’ work certificates. Employers that hire anyone under 18 must register in the database, give required details, and keep each minor’s certificate on site or provide electronic access. Minors under 18 must register and update their certificate when they get a job so it lists that employer. The commissioner can share data with law enforcement for civil or criminal cases.

Library funding rules for 2025–26

For 2025–26, the state divides library aid under set formulas and excludes construction aid from these funds. No library or system gets less total aid than in 2001–02 unless the overall appropriation forces cuts. If needed, the commissioner can make proportional cuts so total payments fit the appropriation.

More time for zero-emission school buses

Districts can get up to two extensions, each up to 24 months, to meet zero-emission bus rules. A second extension requires engagement with NYSERDA on a fleet electrification plan. The application is published by December 31, 2025. Starting in 2025–26, transportation aid is capped by a $29,850,000 plus base limit and also by a CPI-indexed cap. If vouchers or grants help buy zero-emission buses, the allowable expenses claimed for aid are reduced using a set formula.

New formulas for state school aid

The poverty count now equals 65% of the economically disadvantaged count plus 65% of the SAIPE count. The tier-two value for foundation aid equals 1 minus 0.616 times the district’s combined wealth ratio. Westchester County’s regional cost index is 1.351 starting in 2025–26. For districts that reorganize on or after July 1, 2024, the operating-aid base uses the foundation-aid base on the reorganization date. The state updates its aid listing reference to “SA252-6” and repeals some old definitions that fed prior formulas.

NYC aid withheld for workforce program

The commissioner can withhold up to $13,000,000 from New York City’s employment preparation education aid to fund the workforce education consortium. Withheld money is credited to the elementary and secondary education fund. This rule ends after all 2025–26 payments are complete.

School aid formulas: ELL and career ed

Starting in 2025–26, the career education per‑student amount is $4,100 (up from $3,900). Each English learner counts as 0.53 in the needs measure (up from 0.50). The state sharing ratio used for foundation aid is capped at 0.93 in 2025–26 and after (0.91 in 2024–25).

Money shifts for state technology consolidation

The state can move up to $400 million from non‑general funds to the General Fund to consolidate technology buying and services. It can also move up to $100 million to named technology financing and capital accounts. Transfers must match planned IT costs, follow deposit schedules, and cannot cause loss of federal benefits.

Bond rules: no state backing, longer terms

Authority bonds are not debts of the state or city, and those governments do not pay them from general funds. MTA‑assistance bonds issued before April 1, 2027 can have maturities up to 50 years. Refunding bonds can use up to 50 years measured from the original issuance date of the refunded bonds. The maturity change takes effect April 1, 2025.

Guardrails on moving DIIF money

From April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2030, the Comptroller may move money between the infrastructure fund (DIIF) and the general fund. DIIF money can go to the general fund only during an economic downturn, or to cover Medicare/Medicaid overpayment settlements over $100 million. The Budget Director sets amounts and timing.

Help enrolling kids for free meals

The Department and OTDA set rules to boost SNAP sign‑ups and direct certification for free school meals. Schools get technical help to shift to universal meals and to meet federal rules, including CEP or Provision 2 when it fits. Schools must run the Direct Certification Matching Process at least three times each year. Schools not in CEP must collect free and reduced‑price applications each year.

Outreach to survivors for veterans annuity

The Veterans’ Services Commissioner runs an outreach program to alert survivors to annuity eligibility. The office will try to contact known parents, spouses, partners, or minor children of service members who died on active duty. It will post a website announcement and offer help with applications.

Sales targets and filings for conversions

Sellers must market all offered units, fund required reserves, use a broker, and file yearly updates while units remain unsold. A plan cannot take effect until at least 15% of offered units have real signed contracts from bona fide buyers. If a plan is not effective within 15 months after acceptance for filing, it is void, and no new plan for the same buildings may be filed for 12 months. No closings can occur until the Attorney General accepts a post‑closing amendment, and annual updates must include unit‑by‑unit sales and sworn details or they will be rejected.

No suspension for device-only violations

Schools cannot suspend a student when the only reason is using an internet‑enabled device against policy. This stops suspensions for device access alone. Other school rules and consequences may still apply.

Post and report on student device rules

By August 1, 2025, schools must post their internet‑enabled device policy online. They must offer translations into the 12 most common non‑English languages on request. Starting September 1, 2026, schools must post a yearly report on device‑rule enforcement with non‑identifying demographic data and a plan to fix any significant disparities.

Shorter wait for jobless after strikes

If you lose work because of a strike or other labor dispute (not a lockout), your wait to build unemployment rights is shorter. The suspension is now one week, down from two. The suspension starts the day after you lost your job. A "week" means any seven straight calendar days.

Student device use protections at school

Schools may allow device use for classwork a teacher approves, health needs, emergencies, translation, or caregiver duties. A school policy cannot block device use that is written into a student’s IEP or 504 plan.

Credit for pre closing repairs

An offeror can reduce the initial reserve it must deposit by the actual cost of capital replacements started after plan submission and before it becomes effective, if disclosed in the plan. The credit is capped at the smaller of the actual cost or 1.5% of the total price.

Credits for long prison programs

People in prison can earn credit toward release by completing a commissioner‑approved program that lasts at least 18 months. Credits apply only after successful completion.

New crime for hiding face during crimes

It is a class B misdemeanor to hide your face with no legitimate purpose to avoid being identified while committing a felony or class A misdemeanor, or while fleeing. The person must intend to prevent identification, arrest, or capture.

Pilot funds must add, not replace

Starting March 1, 2026, pilot program dollars cannot replace last year’s local spending in any county or New York City. The money must add to prior spending. The commissioner may allow an exception only if last year’s funds were more than needed. This rule ends May 1, 2030.

Ethics and city‑style contracting rules

The authority must give its members Public Officers Law section 18 protections before doing more than startup steps, but not to independent contractors. Employees and members face conflict‑of‑interest and ethics rules that bar using inside information or private financial deals tied to their role. The authority must award construction and supply contracts much like the city does, and it may also perform construction itself.

More ways private schools qualify

Private schools can be deemed substantially equivalent if they meet new criteria. Options include being a registered high school or linked to one; state‑approved special education; accreditation or provisional accreditation by a commissioner‑approved body (provisional limits to the first five years); participation in International Baccalaureate; U.S. approval for military bases; or meeting set assessment participation and proficiency metrics. The commissioner can revoke approval of an accreditation body for cause.

School monitors and aid extended to 2027

Rochester, Hempstead, and Wyandanch monitor provisions stay in effect until June 30, 2027 (with some sections expiring later). East Ramapo’s supplementary funding authority also stays in effect through June 30, 2027. Chapter 756 now expires June 30, 2026, and several chapter 82 provisions extend to July 1, 2026. These extensions keep oversight and funding authorities in place longer.

State builds youth and community facilities

The Office of General Services now handles studies, site purchase, design, and construction for OCFS youth facilities and the Tonawanda Indian Community House. OGS serves as the building agency for these capital projects.

Stronger enforcement for child performers

The state commissioner can prosecute violations of the child performer and child model laws. This makes it easier to hold violators accountable and protect minors who work.

Carbon auction adds $5 million to Environmental Protection Fund

NYSERDA must send $5 million from carbon allowance auction proceeds to the Environmental Protection Fund by March 31, 2026. The money supports the fund’s environmental programs.

Roswell Park keeps funds after bonds paid

After the Dormitory Authority bonds issued on or before March 31, 2025 to fund DOH hospital loans are paid or provided for, Roswell Park receipts no longer go to the Comptroller’s DOH income fund. The money stays with Roswell Park and its subsidiaries. This change is effective April 1, 2025 once the bond condition is met.

Slightly higher cap on Dormitory bonds

Beginning April 1, 2025, the Dormitory Authority’s bond cap under one program rises to $41.175 million, up from $41.06 million. The cap excludes bonds for reserve funds, issuance costs, and refundings.

New paperwork for youth work permits

When applying for a work certificate, minors must follow state procedures, show proof of age, and provide written consent from a parent or guardian. Full-time certificates also require a schooling record. Some districts may ask for extra pledges or records.

New rules for electric school bus sales

Sellers must give school districts a third‑party range estimate before selling a zero‑emission school bus. The estimate must show range in different terrain and weather, average battery wear per 10,000 miles, and whether the bus will be stored outside. Violations can be fined up to $1,000 per noncompliant sale by the Attorney General.

Longer review for some condo conversions

Most offering plans get an Attorney General response within 30 days. For residential buildings converting to co‑ops or condos that are not under a preservation plan, the AG responds between four and six months after filing. This slows those conversions.

Larger special-ed classes allowed temporarily

Large city districts can raise some special-class sizes for middle and high school students with disabilities up to 120% of the limit. This authority runs through June 30, 2026. It remains subject to existing caps and any corrective action plans.

Unemployment rule timing and counting

For unemployment strikes and similar suspensions, a “week” means any seven straight calendar days. Other labor‑law changes tied to unemployment take effect only after the labor commissioner says enough money was moved into the unemployment trust fund and notifies the bill drafting commission.

New rules for hiring minors

Employers must complete a pledge before hiring a minor and verify, file, and later destroy the work certificate copies. If a minor works at a temporary assignment, the staffing employer must send a true copy of the certificate to each worksite and track it. The Labor Commissioner now issues and can revoke all work certificates electronically. A certificate lasts two years and can be reused for new jobs when the minor updates their online record. Farm work permits are allowed at ages 14–15, and kids over 12 may help hand-harvest with consent; no permit is needed for farm work at age 16+. Old education law sections that conflicted with this updated process are repealed.

New Buffalo parking authority and jobs

The city creates a Buffalo Parking Authority run by a five-member board approved by the council. It can build and run parking and add EV chargers, but sites need planning board and council sign-off, and it cannot sell car-service products. The authority must keep its money with the city treasurer, do an annual audit within 90 days, and share some excess revenue with the city. It cannot start operating until it signs a staffing contract, and any new contractor must keep current city and contractor workers.

Stronger court checks on trial readiness

Courts must check on the record if prosecutors are truly ready for trial. A notice of readiness is not valid if the court finds the people are not ready, including when a certificate of compliance is invalid. Prosecutors do not have to subpoena materials the defense can obtain by subpoena. Prosecutors still must act in good faith to find and share items held by law enforcement and labs. These changes take effect 90 days after enactment.

When these changes take effect

This law is in force on and after April 1, 2025. Listed sections end on March 31, 2026. Another part of the law starts two years after it became law, and agencies can write needed rules now. A separate section now expires June 30, 2030.

Independent checks for some voucher units

Starting March 1, 2026, if a voucher holder rents a unit owned by the local voucher administrator, inspections and rent checks must be done by the local government or a commissioner‑approved designee. The local administrator pays for these checks if money is appropriated. This rule ends May 1, 2030.

Education law section 666 repealed

Section 666 of the education law is repealed. Any requirements or programs in that section no longer apply.

Education rules set to sunset later

Some education provisions in this act end on June 30, 2027. The special accelerated payments for the Mount Vernon City School District end on June 30, 2054. The law also repeals a section of the education law (section 667‑c‑1).

Faster state action on school plans

When a monitor flags a district plan violation, the Education Commissioner must decide within 20 days. The district must pause related actions until the decision, and the commissioner can order immediate fixes. The commissioner may overrule a monitor if a decision does not match the district’s financial or academic plan. This override does not apply to union contracts under civil service law article 14.

Report on New York State Museum

The Education Commissioner must report by September 1, 2025 on museum use, budgets, staffing, assets, and functions, with yearly stats back to 2004–05. A supplement is due by September 1, 2026 and every year after with the prior year’s data.

Schools ban student internet devices

Schools must adopt a written policy that bans student use of internet‑enabled devices during the school day. The policy must include at least one way for parents to contact their child and written notice of those methods each year and at enrollment. Schools must offer on‑site storage, like lockers, for devices during the day.

Old finance and development laws repealed

The law repeals State Finance Law sections 8‑b(2), 89‑g, and 93‑a, and a section of the Urban Development Corporation Act. Some repeals take effect April 1, 2025. The practical effects depend on what those sections previously did.

Parking authority bonds and investor protections

The authority can borrow up to $65 million for projects. The state pledges not to impair the authority’s rights or bondholders until all debts are paid. When all debts are cleared, the authority ends and its assets go to the City of Buffalo. If this title conflicts with other laws, this title controls.

SUNY transfers for projects and energy

By March 31, 2026, up to $16 million may move from a SUNY Buffalo income account to the state’s general fund to pay debt service tied to a campus project. SUNY can also move up to $25 million per special revenue fund each year into and out of a Green Energy Loan Fund to finance energy projects.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Budget
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 24

committee vote • 5/8/2025

Finance Committee Vote

Yes: 16 • No: 6

Senate vote • 5/8/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 44 • No: 18

Actions Timeline

SIGNED CHAP.56
5/9/2025Senate
DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR
5/8/2025Senate
RETURNED TO SENATE
5/8/2025House
PASSED ASSEMBLY
5/8/2025House
MESSAGE OF NECESSITY - 3 DAY MESSAGE
5/8/2025House
ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.183
5/8/2025House
SUBSTITUTED FOR A3006C
5/8/2025House
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
5/8/2025House
DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
5/8/2025Senate
PASSED SENATE
5/8/2025Senate
MESSAGE OF NECESSITY - 3 DAY MESSAGE
5/8/2025Senate
ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.973
5/8/2025Senate
PRINT NUMBER 3006C
5/7/2025Senate
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE
5/7/2025Senate
PRINT NUMBER 3006B
3/10/2025Senate
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE
3/10/2025Senate
PRINT NUMBER 3006A
2/21/2025Senate
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE
2/21/2025Senate
REFERRED TO FINANCE
1/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

Amendment C
5/7/2025
PDF
Amendment B
3/10/2025
PDF
Amendment A
2/21/2025
PDF
Original
1/22/2025
PDF

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