New YorkS 83832025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relates to terms and conditions of employment for members of certain collective negotiating units; appropriates funds

Sponsored By: Toby Ann Stavisky (Democratic)

Became Law

FINANCEWAYS AND MEANS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher pay and back pay for SUNY grads

The law raises pay for SUNY graduate assistants in the SUNY graduate student unit. Stipends rise 3% starting with the payroll nearest October 1 in 2023, 2024, and 2025, if you were on payroll September 30 each year and are employed when paid. Minimum annual pay for full assistantships at University Centers and Health Science Centers is at least $11,102 in 2023–24, $11,435 in 2024–25, and $11,778 in 2025–26. On October 1, 2025, you also get a one‑time payment: $1,500 for full‑time assistantships or $750 for less‑than‑full‑time, if employed on that date and when paid. Beginning July 1, 2026, full assistantships must pay at least $18,000 at university centers and health science centers, and at least $7,500 at comprehensive colleges. If you worked in a covered job any time from July 2, 2023 until increases were first paid, you receive back pay for the difference. SUNY may pay more than these minimums when funds cover pay and fringe costs. Increases post with the payroll period nearest each effective date.

SUNY grad workers’ $50,000 death benefit

If a covered employee dies from an accidental on‑the‑job injury on or after July 2, 2007 and workers’ compensation pays an accidental death benefit, the state pays $50,000. The $50,000 goes to the surviving spouse and children or, if none, to the estate, in the same shares as the workers’ compensation benefit.

Extra funds for SUNY grad employees

SUNY runs several funds to boost pay and support the SUNY graduate student unit through July 1, 2026. Doctoral and comprehensive college funds can add money to recruit and keep students in selected programs. A Fee Mitigation Fund can cover fees, like technology fees. A Downstate Location Fund pays location adjustments for work sites in NYC, Suffolk, Nassau, Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, or Orange. Work‑life services and pre‑tax programs continue under the contract, and a professional development committee reviews and runs training. A joint labor‑management board studies work‑life services. Payments from these funds require SUNY and the union to agree, money to be available, and you to have been employed on or after July 2, 2023 and still employed when paid.

State funding to deliver SUNY pay

The law sets aside $9.7 million for the fiscal year starting April 1, 2023 to support named SUNY funds and personal service; it can pay liabilities through March 31, 2026 and requires a Budget Director certification before spending. It also provides $30.2 million for the fiscal year starting April 1, 2025 to pay personal service obligations under the act for liabilities incurred on or before March 31, 2026. The Comptroller can pay required amounts, and the Budget Director can move money from available funds to agencies to make these payments. These appropriations can also pay grievance and arbitration settlements and awards under the SUNY graduate student agreement.

Checks on SUNY grad assistant raises

Raises and benefit changes are not paid until the Director of the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations certifies a ratified, signed agreement to the Budget Director and the Comptroller. The SUNY chancellor, the budget director, and the employee relations director can jointly withhold some or all increases or lump sums if they decide they are not warranted.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Toby Ann Stavisky
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Robert Jackson
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 79 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/11/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 58 • No: 1

committee vote • 6/9/2025

Rules Committee Vote

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

SIGNED CHAP.181
6/26/2025Senate
DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR
6/26/2025Senate
RETURNED TO SENATE
6/13/2025House
PASSED ASSEMBLY
6/13/2025House
ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.693
6/13/2025House
SUBSTITUTED FOR A8799
6/13/2025House
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
6/11/2025House
DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
6/11/2025Senate
PASSED SENATE
6/11/2025Senate
ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.1673
6/9/2025Senate
COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES
6/9/2025Senate
REFERRED TO FINANCE
6/6/2025Senate

Bill Text

Original
6/6/2025
PDF

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