Bill > A07812

This bill establishes a new Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Control Board to address the severe fiscal crisis facing the transportation authority. The five-member board, appointed by the governor with recommendations from legislative leaders, will have the power to review and approve all MTA project financing and construction applications. Board members will serve without salary but can be reimbursed for expenses, and must act by unanimous vote. The board's primary function is to ensure that proposed projects have sufficient committed funds and to provide oversight of the MTA's financial decisions. Members can designate representatives to attend meetings, and the board must provide the state comptroller with copies of all applications. The board has the authority to participate in labor negotiations and can review existing and new projects, with specific limitations on approving recovery act bonds. The governor retains the ability to remove board members who act beyond their legal authority. The bill aims to protect the state's financial interests, preserve investor confidence, and prevent untenable cost increases for taxpayers by providing a mechanism for closer fiscal supervision of the MTA.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7812