Bill > A09364

This bill establishes the Regional Equity in Policy Implementation Act, which creates a comprehensive framework to ensure that statewide policies in New York consider the unique characteristics and challenges of different regions across the state. The legislation requires a mandatory ten-point regional impact test for all climate, energy, and infrastructure policies, which will assess how proposed regulations might affect various regions differently. The test evaluates ten key criteria including infrastructure readiness, economic capacity, workforce availability, technological preparedness, geographic conditions, community needs, municipal capacity, cost-benefit distribution, implementation timeline, and equity outcomes. Each region will be rated as experiencing "high," "moderate," or "low/no" impact, and if three or more regions are rated as "high impact," the policy must be revised or include specific mitigation measures. The Division of the Budget, in consultation with several state agencies, will develop and maintain this assessment framework, which aims to prevent unintentionally creating inequitable burdens on regions with less infrastructure, lower economic capacity, or unique geographical constraints. The bill requires a publicly available report for each policy, detailing regional disparities, support strategies, and potential mitigation approaches, with an annual summary report to be submitted to the legislature and governor. The provisions will apply to all statewide policies adopted on or after January 1, 2027.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9364