Bill > S05518

This bill changes how the costs and expenses of the New York Department of Public Service and Public Service Commission are funded and managed. Currently, these departments have been able to self-fund by assessing costs directly on utility companies and other regulated entities. The proposed legislation would require all department costs to be subject to legislative appropriation, meaning the state legislature must explicitly approve funding for these departments through the regular budget process. Specifically, costs will now be paid based on certification by the chair of the department and after being audited and approved by the state comptroller. The bill eliminates previous provisions that allowed the departments to directly assess and collect funds from utility companies and other regulated entities. By removing these existing assessment mechanisms, the bill shifts the financial control and oversight of these departments more directly under legislative purview. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing ample time for the department and legislature to adapt to the new funding approach.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5518