Bill > A07798

This bill establishes a three-year moratorium on unfunded mandates (new state laws that impose significant financial burdens on local governments without providing funding) and creates ten regional mandate relief councils across different geographical regions of New York State. An unfunded mandate is defined as any state law that requires local governments to undertake a new program, service, or activity that results in annual additional costs exceeding $10,000 for a single local government or $1 million statewide, or laws that require increased service levels, new property tax exemptions, or have the potential to raise property taxes. The regional mandate relief councils will be composed of members appointed by various state and local government leaders, and they will be tasked with reviewing existing and proposed mandates, holding public hearings, and making recommendations to state leadership about repealing or modifying burdensome mandates. The councils can refer regulations or statutes for repeal or modification with a two-thirds vote, and the governor is required to take action on their recommendations within 60 days. Local governments can also request that their regional council review specific mandates. The bill includes several exemptions to the moratorium, such as court-ordered mandates, laws protecting public health and safety, and mandates resulting from federal requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7798