Budget & Taxes

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2637: Establishes the "Hunger-Free Campus Act"

The Hunger-Free Campus Act (S 2637) creates a grant program for public colleges and universities to address student food insecurity. To qualify, campuses must meet specific requirements, including establishing student-led hunger task forces, providing SNAP enrollment assistance, operating on-campus food pantries, and conducting annual student hunger surveys. Grants fund initiatives like meal donation programs, SNAP outreach, and awareness campaigns to support students' basic food needs. The program requires institutions to report on grant usage and outcomes to the state education commissioner, with priority given to schools with high Pell Grant enrollment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates state grant program funding campus food insecurity initiatives, increasing government spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds campus initiatives to address student food insecurity, directly supporting educational access and student well-being in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Student Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3974: Creates the office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access

This bill creates an independent office of the ombudsperson for behavioral health access in New York. The ombudsperson will directly assist New Yorkers - especially those who are uninsured, underinsured, or navigating complex coverage - with resolving issues related to mental health and substance use disorder care access, including complaints about insurers or providers. Key provisions include the ombudsperson operating autonomously (with independent hiring and budget control), helping consumers file appeals, tracking violations of treatment rules, and reporting annually to state officials on access challenges. The office will not make policy changes but will serve as a neutral resource to navigate existing systems and connect people to appropriate support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new office with independent budget control, funding behavioral health access services as a public program.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates office to resolve mental health/substance use disorder access issues, improving patient navigation and rights for uninsured/underinsured.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6273: Establishes the New York state public health care option program; and establishes the New York state public health care option program fund

Establishes the New York state public health care option program to provide a comprehensive and affordable health care insurance option for all residents of this state; establishes the New York state public health care option program fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates a dedicated state fund to finance a public health care program, directly allocating state budget resources to expand health coverage as a public service.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes state public health care option to provide comprehensive, affordable insurance for all residents, directly expanding healthcare access and coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5677: Creates a transparency database for contracted not-for-profit organizations

Creates a transparency database for contracted not-for-profit organizations; provides such database will include those that are in the process of being approved for contracts, that have received certificates of approval, are approved for contracts, have received renewal contracts, or have been the recipient of fully-executed contracts with the state of New York.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesTransparency in contracting promotes fiscal responsibility by improving oversight of state spending on nonprofit contracts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 13, 2025

A 8429: Relates to the establishment of a fraud assessment commission, an assessment for workers' compensation fraud investigations and the workers' compensation fraud investigation fund

Establishes a fraud assessment commission; directs the chair of the workers' compensation board, in consultation with the workers' compensation fraud inspector general and the fraud assessment commission, to establish an assessment for workers' compensation fraud investigations to fund the investigation and prosecution of workers' compensation fraud, willful failure to secure payment of workers' compensation, and failure to keep true and accurate records; establishes the workers' compensation fraud investigation fund in the joint custody of the chair of the workers' compensation board, the commissioner of labor, and the comptroller, which shall consist of monies received from the imposition of the assessment for workers' compensation fraud investigations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates assessment to fund fraud investigations, protecting state funds and supporting fiscal responsibility through dedicated funding.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5808: Requires any proposed increase in fares by the metropolitan commuter transportation authority shall be submitted to the state comptroller for approval

Requires any proposed increase in fares by the metropolitan commuter transportation authority shall be submitted to the comptroller for approval before such fare increase takes effect; requires the metropolitan commuter transportation authority to submit a report to the comptroller which includes a justification for such proposed fare increase and the current financial condition of such authority.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires comptroller approval for fare increases, promoting fiscal oversight and accountability in public spending management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability

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signed · New York · Assembly Oct 16, 2025

A 6770: Relates to the applicability of the residential redevelopment inhibited property exemption

This bill expands the residential redevelopment inhibited property exemption to all cities, towns, and villages in the state, removing a current restriction that limited it to one specific city. It allows any municipality to adopt local laws designating properties as "redevelopment inhibited" if they are neglected, abandoned, or have conditions (like long vacancy or zoning violations) preventing private redevelopment. Property owners in designated areas can then receive an exemption from taxes on the increased value of their property after redevelopment, provided they own a one- to four-unit residence, maintain owner-occupancy, and file annual residency affidavits. The exemption covers only the incremental tax increase from redevelopment, not the base property value, and requires compliance with building and zoning codes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill grants tax exemption for redevelopment-inhibited properties, providing direct tax relief to qualifying property owners.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax exemption for neglected properties to all municipalities, incentivizing private redevelopment of abandoned/underused housing, advancing housing development and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Taxes Zoning

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5272: Sets hourly rates for persons representing certain persons in court or before a magistrate

This bill sets pay rates for court-appointed lawyers representing people who cannot afford legal representation. It establishes $158 per hour for misdemeanor cases (both in and out of court) and $164 per hour for all other cases, with annual adjustments starting in 2027 based on federal standards. Total case payments are capped at $10,000 (adjusted annually), and lawyers must submit sworn statements detailing their work to receive reimbursement. The policy directly affects appointed defense attorneys in county court proceedings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes government spending for court-appointed lawyers via set pay rates and reimbursement caps, directly funding public defense services within state budget framework.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSets fair hourly rates ($158-$164) for appointed defense attorneys, improving access to quality legal representation for indigent defendants, a key criminal justice reform principle.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2443: Authorizes industrial development agencies to provide assistance to agricultural producers for products grown, harvested or produced within the state

Authorizes industrial development agencies to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers for products grown, harvested or produced within the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes financial assistance from state budget for agricultural producers, indicating budget allocation for sector-specific support.80% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2717: Establishes a school air conditioning system grant program; makes an appropriation therefor

Establishes a school air conditioning system grant program to provide schools with funding to install air conditioning systems in certain areas; makes an appropriation therefor.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds via appropriation for school AC grant program, increasing public service funding per Budget & Taxes indicators.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides funding for school AC systems, improving infrastructure and learning environments through a grant program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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