Bill > S06939

This bill amends the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's governing legislation to enhance transparency, accountability, and legislative oversight across several key areas. First, it modifies interview procedures for Port Authority employees by stipulating that any interviews must comply with existing collective bargaining agreements. Second, the bill requires the Port Authority to appear before legislative committees in New York and New Jersey when requested, with each state legislature allowed two such requests per calendar year, and mandating that senior leadership (such as the chair, CEO, and CFO) attend these hearings. Third, the bill introduces new notification requirements for debt issuance, mandating that the Port Authority provide 60-day advance notice to state governors, legislative leaders, and committee chairs before issuing any subsidiary debt. Fourth, the bill expands capital planning transparency by requiring the Port Authority to publish a ten-year capital plan, make it publicly available for review, monitor major capital projects through independent engineering consultants, conduct public hearings in both states about capital plans, and provide detailed status updates on projects every three years. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure barrier-free access to meetings and allows for video conferencing with public access. The legislation will take effect once New Jersey enacts identical legislation, reflecting the collaborative nature of the Port Authority's bi-state governance.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6939