Bill > S03052

This bill amends the public lands law to establish a comprehensive right of first refusal for municipalities when unappropriated state land is being sold at public auction. Under the new provisions, the Office of General Services must first offer the land to local governments in a hierarchical order: first to villages, then towns, then cities, and finally counties. The local government can purchase the land for either park/recreation purposes (for $1) or other municipal purposes (at current appraised value or proposed sale price, whichever is less). If a local government purchases the land, the deed must include a clause specifying the intended use and allowing the state to reclaim the land if that use ceases. Local governments have 90 days to exercise their right to purchase, and the offer does not guarantee a sale, as the commissioner of general services can withdraw the offer at any time. The bill provides detailed procedures for how these offers should be made and processed, ensuring transparency and giving local governments the opportunity to acquire state lands that might be valuable for their community's development or public use.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3052