Bill > A05215

This bill requires state agencies to submit detailed annual financial reports to the legislature, providing transparency about fines, fees, and surcharges. Specifically, each state agency must provide an annual report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee, which must include: a comprehensive accounting of all fines, fees, and surcharges assessed in the prior year; the specific purpose for each fine, fee, or surcharge; and the exact location where these funds were deposited. The bill defines a "state agency" broadly to include any state department, board, authority, or governmental entity. Additionally, the bill mandates that these reports be uploaded to the Senate and Assembly websites for public accessibility. Furthermore, the legislation directs that most fines, penalties, and related interest be remitted to the state's general fund, with an exception for fees that have been legally designated for specific public purposes. The bill's underlying intent is to prevent potential conflicts of interest where agencies might impose fees primarily to supplement their own budgets, and to provide greater legislative oversight of governmental financial practices.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5215