New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00351

Introduced

1/8/25

Refer

1/8/25

Refer

1/7/26

Caption

Provides that for the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven school year, the two thousand twenty-seven--two thousand twenty-eight school year, and the two thousand twenty-eight--two thousand twenty-nine school year, surplus funds as used in this subdivision shall mean any operating funds in excess of five percent of the current school year budget, and shall not include funds properly retained under other sections of law.

Summary

Bill A00351 amends the real property tax law to redefine the term 'surplus funds' for school districts in New York. Specifically, it establishes that for the 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 school years, surplus funds will be defined as any operating funds exceeding five percent of the current school year budget. This change aims to provide greater flexibility for school districts in managing their budgets and surplus funds, which can impact how they levy school taxes and allocate resources for educational purposes.

Impact

The bill modifies existing definitions within the real property tax law, particularly affecting how school districts calculate their surplus funds. By increasing the threshold for what constitutes surplus funds from three to five percent for the specified school years, it allows school districts to retain a larger portion of their operating funds. This change could lead to adjustments in school tax levies and potentially impact funding for educational programs and services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00351 appears to be generally positive among supporters who believe it provides necessary flexibility for school districts. However, there may be concerns from fiscal conservatives regarding the implications of allowing districts to retain more surplus funds, as it could affect overall tax revenues and budget allocations at the state level.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from differing perspectives on fiscal responsibility and educational funding. Supporters argue that the increased surplus threshold is essential for school districts to manage their finances effectively, while opponents may raise concerns about the long-term implications for state funding and the potential for increased local taxes. The debate may involve various stakeholders, including educators, school administrators, and taxpayers.

Latest NY A00351 Activity

View All Events: NY 2025-2026 Regular Session A00351

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A00304

Provides that for the two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five school year, the two thousand twenty-five--two thousand twenty-six school year, and the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven school year, surplus funds as used in this subdivision shall mean any operating funds in excess of five percent of the current school year budget, and shall not include funds properly retained under other sections of law.

NY S07490

Authorizes the South Nassau Water Authority and the North Shore Water Authority to remain eligible for funding in state fiscal year two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven.

NY A11281

Authorizes the South Nassau Water Authority and the North Shore Water Authority to remain eligible for funding in state fiscal year two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven.

NY A06734

Requires certain public authorities to establish a cashless tolling amnesty program between August first, two thousand twenty-five and December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-five for cashless tolls collected between April twenty-third, two thousand sixteen and June twenty-ninth, two thousand twenty-five.

NY S07278

NY A01996

Provides for apportionment for charter school tuition payments for any school district that is required to pay tuition to charter schools in the two thousand twenty-five-two thousand twenty-six school year and thereafter.

NY S03432

Prevents certain public institutions of higher education from using the scholastic aptitude test and ACT assessment in the admissions process on and after the two thousand twenty-four--two thousand twenty-five academic year for New York resident applicants; requires SUNY and CUNY to create a new standardized test by the two thousand twenty-eight--two thousand twenty-nine academic year.

NY A08531

Prevents certain public institutions of higher education from using the scholastic aptitude test and ACT assessment in the admissions process on and after the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven academic year for New York resident applicants; requires SUNY and CUNY to create a new standardized test by the two thousand thirty--two thousand thirty-one academic year.

NY HR3

Authorizing the appointment of employees for this, the First Regular Session of the Eighty-seventh Legislature, Two Thousand Twenty-five

NY S04782