Bill > S04504

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for managing state mandates imposed on municipal corporations and school districts in New York, requiring that any new mandate which creates additional costs must be fully funded by the state. The legislation defines a "mandate" as any new state law, rule, or regulation that establishes a new program or requires a higher level of service, and introduces the concept of an "unfunded mandate" as a requirement that results in net additional costs to local governments. To oversee this process, the bill creates a 15-member New York State Mandate Review Council composed of appointees from various state and local government backgrounds, which will review all existing mandates, hold hearings across the state's economic development regions, and produce a detailed report analyzing the costs and impacts of state-imposed mandates on local governments. The council will have the power to eliminate or suspend mandates but cannot create new ones. Importantly, the bill stipulates that no new mandates can be imposed on localities until the council's report is published, and any mandate that creates additional costs must either be fully funded by the state or be considered void. The legislation aims to provide financial protection and increased transparency for municipal corporations and school districts by ensuring they are not burdened with unfunded state requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4504