New YorkS 30082025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Enacts into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state transportation, economic development and environmental conservation budget for the 2025-2026 state fiscal year

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

45 provisions identified: 21 benefits, 5 costs, 19 mixed.

Stronger rules for buy-now-pay-later loans

Any buy-now-pay-later loan from an unlicensed lender is void, and the lender cannot collect the principal, interest, or fees. BNPL lenders may not use confessions of judgment, deceive borrowers, misapply payments, or report false credit data. Licensed BNPL lenders are now subject to state banking exams, and the Superintendent can require special reports.

No extra tax on conservation transfers

When you transfer property for open space, parks, or historic preservation to a qualified tax-exempt conservation nonprofit, you do not pay the extra conveyance tax under Tax Law section 1402-a. The exemption applies only to transfers for those purposes to qualifying nonprofits.

MTA capital locked in, faster payments

The law commits $6 billion for MTA capital projects for 2025–2029, split $3 billion from the state and $3 billion from the city. Operating aid cannot be used to reduce that capital commitment. When money is deposited in the MTA capital assistance fund, the comptroller must pay it to the MTA within five days. The budget director sets the payment schedule, and the city must certify each payment within seven days. If the city fails to pay in full, the state can transfer or collect funds (including from sales tax) equal to the unpaid amount and credit them to the MTA.

NYC funds most paratransit costs

From July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, New York City must fund 80% of the MTA’s net paratransit operating costs. Net costs equal total expenses minus the 6% urban tax amount and minus passenger fares. Each year, the city’s share is capped at 50% of net plus $165 million.

Higher penalties for environmental violations

The law raises penalty limits for violations of certain environmental titles. For a first violation, civil fines can be up to $65,000, plus up to $65,000 per day. For later violations, civil fines can be up to $125,000, plus up to $125,000 per day. Criminal fines rise to similar per-day amounts; jail terms stay the same.

More bonds for cleanup projects

The state raises the bond limit for hazardous waste cleanup and environmental restoration to $3.45 billion. Bonds are paid only from appropriated funds to the issuing corporation and are not state debt. No bonds may be issued to repay any new appropriation enacted after March 31, 2036.

Higher penalties for unsafe digging

Civil penalties for violating the excavation notice law increase to up to $4,375 for a first violation and up to $17,500 for each later violation within 12 months. Money from these penalties now goes into the state Environmental Protection Fund.

Cannabis fees and stricter dispensary limits

Registered organizations that get adult-use licenses must pay $3 million at license issue; $4 million within 180 days of opening a second co-located dispensary; and $4 million within 30 days after $100 million and again after $200 million in revenue. If a required fee is unpaid, the Office suspends authority to run co-located adult-use dispensaries and will deny renewal if the license expires unpaid. If a license ends, no special fees are due after that date. For co-located dispensaries operating on the law’s effective date, prior payments are credited and the Office sets any remaining payment timing for up to 270 days. A registered organization may dispense adult-use cannabis at no more than three medical sites. Fee revenues can fund incubators and low- or zero-interest loans for qualified equity applicants.

Stronger hazardous waste cleanup rules

Responsible persons are strictly, jointly, and severally liable for cleanup costs and natural resource damages at inactive hazardous waste sites. The state can sue to recover costs, place an environmental lien, and issue abatement orders; fines can reach up to $37,500 per day for failing to comply. Parties must show financial responsibility through insurance, a bond, letter of credit, a guarantee, or self‑insurance, as set by regulation. A compliant party can seek reimbursement of reasonable costs from the remedial fund within 60 days after finishing required work. Public cleanup funds are used only after trying to get responsible parties to pay, unless there is an emergency that endangers life or health.

Clear refund rules for shoppers

Stores and online sellers must clearly post their refund policy near the item or before you give billing info. The policy must say if refunds are allowed, the time limits, proof needed, fees, and if refunds are cash or credit. If a seller fails to post its policy, you can get a cash refund or store credit for up to 30 days. The item must be unused, and you must show proof of the purchase date.

Homebuyers protected from past pollution

If you buy property after October 7, 2003, you can qualify as a bona fide prospective purchaser to avoid paying for old contamination. You must show the dumping happened before you bought, that you did proper environmental inquiries, gave required notices, took care to limit exposure, helped with cleanup, followed controls, and are not tied to liable parties. Special rules apply for leaseholders.

Community voice on toxic cleanups

The state must keep a public registry of inactive hazardous waste sites online and at local offices, showing site boundaries and whether a site is in a disadvantaged community. DEC reassesses sites every year by March 31 and speeds cleanup for the highest‑risk sites in those communities. Each county must survey for suspected sites and report yearly, and DEC must build community participation into each cleanup with a plan, a public document repository, and notice and comment.

Protections for AI companion users

Apps must tell you at the start that you are chatting with an AI, and remind you at least every three hours. AI companions must try to detect suicidal or self‑harm statements and refer you to crisis services like 9‑8‑8. The Attorney General can sue violators and seek up to $15,000 per day in civil penalties.

Use NYC land for transit projects

The transit authority can take temporary or permanent control of certain vacant or underused New York City property for approved 2015–2019, 2020–2024, and 2025–2029 transit projects. The city must consent, and the board must approve after notice. Dedicated parkland still needs separate legislative approval. This authority ends December 31, 2030.

Suicide prevention fund and reporting

The law creates a suicide prevention fund managed by the Comptroller, Tax and Finance, and the Office of Mental Health. Money comes from required deposits, appropriations, transfers, grants, gifts, and other lawful sources. All fees, fines, and penalties under the AI companion rules go into this fund. Each year, OMH must report how much was disbursed, who got the money, how awards were made, and what they were used for.

Public employee union rules extended

The law keeps certain rules for public employee organizations in effect until July 1, 2027. These provisions would have expired earlier. Public sector employees and recognized unions keep the current rules through that date.

PFAS cleanup targets and guidance

DEC must issue interim guidance for PFAS soil and groundwater testing by January 1, 2027. After the Health Department sets a PFAS maximum contaminant level, DEC must create chemical‑specific soil and groundwater cleanup goals and update objectives within two years. This sets clear steps for PFAS testing and cleanup.

Licensing and rules for BNPL

Buy‑now‑pay‑later lenders must be licensed and show their license on apps, websites, or loan terms. They must give clear cost and schedule disclosures, use reasonable underwriting, handle refunds fairly, and get your consent before using your data beyond the loan. Interest and fees face caps and limits set by the state regulator, and late fees cannot be charged more than once per late payment. The regulator can set capital rules, examine lenders, and impose penalties. These BNPL rules take effect 180 days after the regulator issues implementing regulations.

New weigh-in-motion truck enforcement

New York City and several bridge and highway authorities can use weigh‑in‑motion systems to ticket overweight vehicles. NYC can run up to 16 systems on I‑278 in Kings County and up to 2 at each other listed site. The Bear Mountain, Newburgh‑Beacon, Mid‑Hudson, and George Washington bridges, and Thruway interchange 34‑A east of Syracuse, can each have up to 2 systems. Some programs need a public hearing and board approval before they start. The law also repeals older 2021 sections that had covered the I‑278 pilot and replaces them with this new structure.

Where WIM fine money goes

Fines from weigh‑in‑motion programs are sent to the State Comptroller within 10 days. 80% goes to the operating authority and 20% to NYC or the local city, town, or village. The TBTA and Bridge Authority must use at least 60% of their share (after admin costs) for work zone safety projects. The Thruway Authority must use its share for Thruway capital projects. The Port Authority must use its share for bridge capital projects.

Faster suspensions after serious charges

The commission can temporarily suspend a permit, license, or registration when the person is charged with a felony‑level crime or a crime punishable by more than 364 days. The commission can also suspend if a security officer is charged by the commission with misappropriating property at a pier or waterfront terminal. The suspension lasts until the case ends or the commission orders otherwise.

Stronger rules on auto‑renewals

Businesses must show key subscription terms clearly before you agree or give billing info. They must get your clear yes before the first charge and for price hikes, or let you cancel within at least 14 days with a pro‑rata refund. Canceling must be as easy as signing up and available through the same channels, including fully online if you enrolled online. After signup, you must get a notice you can keep with the terms and how to cancel. Some areas like banks, credit unions, and certain service contracts are exempt. Courts can stop violations and fine companies, and can order refunds to consumers.

City liability limits at toxic sites

Cities and public corporations are not liable for cleanup at some sites they got involuntarily, certain landfills, and airport or fire‑training sites where PFAS foam was used under law. The protection ends if the city caused or worsened the release intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or through gross negligence. A city that takes a site must tell the state within 10 days after it actually learns of a hazardous release, or it can lose this protection.

Pollution cleanups and cost recovery

The environmental agency can run cleanup programs and make responsible parties pay cleanup costs, natural resource damages, and penalties. The agency must consider benefits to disadvantaged communities when planning cleanups. It must consult Indian nations on environmental and cultural issues during the work.

Predictable transit aid; fixed county shares

Starting April 1, 2025, the transportation commissioner may base transit operating payments on last year’s service and use, with approval from the budget director. In Central New York, counties must cover fixed shares of any local match: Cayuga 5.05%, Onondaga 74.94%, Oswego 2.82%, Oneida 16.02%, Cortland 1.17%. This aims to steady funding for riders while setting clear local cost shares.

Yearly rebate reports from PBMs

Every pharmacy benefit manager must, by July 1 each year, report rebates, fees, price-protection payments, and other sums received from drug makers, and how much was passed to health plans versus kept. Reports must include key details for each rebate contract and be affirmed under penalty of perjury. This increases transparency around drug pricing.

PFAS phased out of firefighting gear

Beginning January 1, 2028, makers and sellers cannot make or sell firefighting PPE with intentionally added PFAS or PFAS at or above DEC‑set levels. Starting the same date, sellers must give buyers written notice if the gear contains PFAS. The law uses the existing legal definition of “intentionally added” to reduce confusion. By January 31, 2027, DEC must advise lawmakers if any PPE parts need a different start date due to safety and lack of PFAS‑free parts that meet standards.

Recall banned PFAS firefighting foam

Manufacturers that made or sold banned Class B firefighting foam must recall it. The recall must collect, transport, treat, store, and safely dispose of the PFAS chemicals. Makers must also reimburse the retailer or other purchaser for the product.

Captive insurance options and taxes updated

A city with at least one million people can qualify as an industrial insured to form a pure captive insurer, but large cities and certain public authorities cannot join industrial insured groups. Captive insurers count as insurance corporations for franchise tax rules. Article 70 captives must pay an in-lieu franchise tax on premiums, with a $5,000 minimum. Named public authorities and some big-city nonprofits are excluded from these captive rules.

New rules for public captive insurers

A state corporation can set up a subsidiary to form a pure captive insurance company after an independent feasibility study. The study must include actuarial risk and cost comparisons and be sent to state leaders and the Governor. The consultant or broker who did the study cannot manage the captive for five years after the study.

Health insurance continuation extended

The Health Insurance Continuation Assistance Demonstration Project now runs until July 1, 2026. Its provisions expire on that date. Displaced workers remain eligible for continuation help retroactive to July 1, 2004.

Online driver pre-licensing extended

The online pre-licensing course pilot is extended through June 30, 2030. Applicants for class DJ or class MJ licenses cannot use the pilot. Other eligible driver applicants can take the approved course online until then.

Deer hunting pilot extended

The deer hunting pilot program now runs through December 31, 2028. All other program rules stay the same until that date.

Licenses not revoked for ties alone

A license cannot be revoked just for knowing or being linked to someone in organized crime or terrorism. Officials must show the association creates a reasonable belief that the person’s licensed work would be harmful to the law’s goals.

More work-zone speed cameras statewide

The Department of Transportation can put speed cameras in up to 40 work areas on controlled-access highways. The Thruway Authority can use up to 20 in Thruway work zones. Cameras may run only when construction or maintenance is happening. This expands enforcement to improve work-zone safety.

Tribal‑state cannabis compacts allowed

The state can make compacts with New York tribes so they can produce, transport, and sell adult‑use or medical cannabis. This creates a legal path for tribal cannabis activity under state‑tribal agreements.

Low‑value abandoned cars go to towns

If an abandoned vehicle has no plates and its wholesale value is $2,250 or less, ownership vests in the local authority right away. The authority does not need to get title if it will junk, dismantle, or destroy the vehicle.

Driver protections for traffic cameras

The law sets accuracy checks for camera systems: daily self‑tests and regular independent calibration. New speed camera programs must give written warnings for the first 30 days. Weigh‑in‑motion pilots must mail written warnings, not tickets, for the first 90 days. Cameras are banned on exit ramps, and photos can be used only to handle a ticket and must be destroyed after cases end or one year. A vehicle lessor can shift a ticket to the lessee by sending the lease with the lessee’s name and address within 37 days.

Notice when algorithms set prices

If a seller uses your personal data to set a price with an algorithm, it must show a clear notice next to that price. Some insurance and financial companies and certain lower‑than‑subscription offers are exempt. The Attorney General can send a cease‑and‑desist letter with a deadline to fix violations and take further action if needed.

Cannabis board pay and conflicts

Starting June 1, 2025, Cannabis Control Board members are paid $260 per day for board work plus expenses. Board members, their spouses, and minor children cannot hold interests in businesses the board regulates.

Limits on acting chair appointments

The Governor must give written notice when naming an acting chair. If no nominee is sent within six months, or the Senate does not confirm within 90 days after that, the acting chair stops serving. The Governor cannot extend that acting chair’s powers or name another acting chair then.

One‑year shift of utility case costs

From April 1, 2025 to April 1, 2026, certain state agency costs for utility rate or certification cases count as Department of Public Service expenses. Listed agencies must report those costs to the PSC chair by August 15, 2026. These costs cannot be recovered through assessments on telephone corporations.

Reciprocal ski pass deals allowed

A public authority may join reciprocal ski pass programs and agree to defend or indemnify other members. Any liability is limited by available funds and capped at $250,000 per claim.

Some 2021 traffic rules extended

Sections 12 through 15 of a 2021 traffic‑safety law now expire on December 1, 2030. This keeps those authorities and rules in place longer than before.

Truck weigh checks: privacy and timing

Weigh‑in‑motion systems must avoid making images that identify drivers, passengers, or what is inside vehicles. New York City must use competitive bidding rules to buy or lease the equipment. The Port Authority is covered only when New Jersey passes an identical law; then it applies right away.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Budget
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 56 • No: 28

Senate vote • 5/7/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 22

committee vote • 5/7/2025

Finance Committee Vote

Yes: 16 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

SIGNED CHAP.58
5/9/2025Senate
DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR
5/8/2025Senate
RETURNED TO SENATE
5/7/2025House
PASSED ASSEMBLY
5/7/2025House
MESSAGE OF NECESSITY - 3 DAY MESSAGE
5/7/2025House
ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.181
5/7/2025House
SUBSTITUTED FOR A3008C
5/7/2025House
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
5/7/2025House
DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
5/7/2025Senate
PASSED SENATE
5/7/2025Senate
MESSAGE OF NECESSITY - 3 DAY MESSAGE
5/7/2025Senate
ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.967
5/7/2025Senate
PRINT NUMBER 3008C
5/6/2025Senate
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE
5/6/2025Senate
PRINT NUMBER 3008B
3/10/2025Senate
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE
3/10/2025Senate
PRINT NUMBER 3008A
2/21/2025Senate
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE
2/21/2025Senate
REFERRED TO FINANCE
1/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

Amendment C
5/6/2025
PDF
Amendment B
3/10/2025
PDF
Amendment A
2/21/2025
PDF
Original
1/22/2025
PDF

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