Bill > S02454

This bill modifies existing New York state law to prohibit state reimbursement of legal expenses for state employees if those expenses are paid by campaign and political committees or legal defense funds. Specifically, the bill prevents the state from reimbursing an employee's legal fees if a campaign committee, political committee, or legal defense fund has already paid all or part of those fees. The bill requires employees to certify to the attorney general and comptroller that no funds remain in any legal defense fund established on their behalf and that no reimbursement will be used to repay such funds. Additionally, if an employee has an active legal defense fund, they will be ineligible for state reimbursement until all money in those funds has been spent on their legal expenses. The changes apply to both criminal proceedings and civil actions arising from an employee's official duties. The bill aims to prevent potential double-funding of legal expenses and ensure transparency in how state employees' legal costs are covered. The legislation will take effect immediately and apply to both pending claims not yet paid and new claims submitted after the effective date.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2454