Bill > A00898

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the existing tax exemption provisions for private institutions of higher education in New York State. Currently, the state constitution provides broad tax exemptions for properties used exclusively for religious, educational, or charitable purposes, which cannot be easily altered. The proposed amendment would specifically allow the legislature to alter or repeal tax exemptions for real or personal property owned by private higher education institutions, creating an exception to the current blanket protection. This means that lawmakers would have more flexibility to adjust or remove tax exemptions for private colleges and universities, potentially enabling local governments to collect property taxes from these institutions. The bill follows a standard constitutional amendment process, which requires the proposed change to be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and published for three months prior to that election, ensuring public awareness and democratic review of the proposed constitutional change.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A898