Bill > A05728

This bill establishes a permanent moratorium on unfunded mandates, which are state laws that impose new financial burdens on local governments and school districts without providing funding to cover those costs. The bill defines an unfunded mandate as any state law that requires a local government to start a new program, provide a higher level of service, or grant a new property tax exemption that would result in additional annual costs exceeding $10,000 for a single local government or $1 million statewide. The legislation creates several exemptions to this moratorium, including laws required by court orders, laws requested by local governments through home rule messages, laws necessary to protect public health and safety, and laws that apply equally to government and non-government entities. The bill also requires that any mandated laws provide a reasonable implementation timeline and be consistent with available funding. Additionally, the bill amends existing legislative law to require fiscal notes for bills that substantially affect local government revenues or expenses, detailing estimated annual costs and their sources. The act will take effect immediately but will only apply to laws enacted after its effective date.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5728