Bill > S09022

This bill eliminates the practice of withholding state aid as a way to force cities to comply with court facility standards, recognizing that the state has a constitutional duty to ensure safe and functional courts and that cities are responsible for providing suitable facilities. Instead of using state aid as leverage, the bill establishes a new appeal process for any directives or plans issued by the chief administrator of the courts regarding court facility improvements. This appeal will be heard by an independent court facilities review panel, composed of representatives from the budget division, the state comptroller's office, the chief administrator of the courts, and appointees with expertise in municipal finance and construction. This panel will assess whether proposed plans are necessary, reasonable, feasible, and proportionate, considering alternatives and the impact on municipal finances. If a plan is modified or remanded by the panel, the city and the court system will then enter into a written compliance plan, and enforcement will be through administrative measures, not by withholding state aid.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9022