Bill > A06309

This bill establishes a new program of regional arts, cultural affairs, and parks sustainability grants across ten defined regions of New York State. The bill creates regional councils in each region, composed of seven members (five appointed by the governor, one by the assembly speaker, and one by the senate president), who will be responsible for issuing competitive grants to arts, cultural affairs, and parks organizations. These grants are specifically designed to support sustainability programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, promote smart growth, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste. The bill mandates a balanced approach to grant distribution, requiring that in the New York City region, equal grant amounts be given to organizations with operating budgets above and below $10 million, and in other regions, equal amounts to organizations with budgets above and below $5 million. Each regional council is prohibited from awarding grants to organizations that have received such grants in the previous three years, and no more than 50% of a council's annual grant money can go to parks organizations. The goal is to promote sustainable practices and support local arts, cultural, and parks organizations across diverse regions of New York State.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6309