Bill > A02216

This bill modifies existing tax law regarding unclaimed lottery prizes by changing how such funds are handled after their one-year claim period expires. Previously, unclaimed prize money could be retained in a lottery prize account and used for special lotto prizes, promotional purposes, or supplemental game funding, with spending limits and specific restrictions. Under the new provision, all unclaimed lottery prize money will be directly paid into the state treasury and credited to the state lottery fund, eliminating the previous discretionary uses of these funds. The bill removes language that allowed the lottery commission to use unclaimed prize money for special prizes or promotional purposes, and eliminates the requirement to notify budget and legislative committee chairs about proposed changes to unclaimed prize fund usage. The change simplifies the process for handling unclaimed lottery winnings by routing these funds directly into the state's general lottery fund, ensuring that money not claimed within one year of a drawing becomes state revenue.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2216