New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04961

Introduced
2/10/25  
Refer
2/10/25  

Caption

Establishes the addiction prevention and recovery act; increases taxes on alcohol by fifty percent; allocates the increased revenue to a special fund to be used for the purposes of alcohol and substance abuse addiction prevention and recovery services and programs.

Summary

Bill A04961, known as the "addiction prevention and recovery act," proposes to amend the New York tax law by increasing taxes on various alcoholic beverages by fifty percent. This increase applies to beers, wines, and liquors, with specific new rates established for each category. The revenue generated from these increased taxes will be allocated to a newly established 'alcohol and substance abuse addiction prevention and recovery fund,' which aims to support programs and services focused on addiction prevention and recovery in the state.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state tax law by raising alcohol taxes, which could lead to higher prices for consumers. The establishment of the addiction prevention and recovery fund is intended to enhance funding for addiction services, ensuring that at least half of the fund's resources are dedicated to prevention and the other half to recovery services. This allocation aims to improve the overall effectiveness of addiction services in New York, potentially leading to better outcomes for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A04961 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the increased funding for addiction services is necessary to address the growing substance abuse crisis in the state. However, opponents express concerns about the potential economic impact on consumers and businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, where increased alcohol prices could deter patronage.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential economic burden on consumers and businesses due to the increased alcohol taxes. Some lawmakers and stakeholders in the hospitality industry argue that this could lead to decreased sales and job losses. Conversely, advocates for addiction services emphasize the urgent need for more funding to combat addiction issues, arguing that the long-term benefits of improved services outweigh the immediate economic concerns.

Companion Bills

NY S02506

Same As Establishes the addiction prevention and recovery act; increases taxes on alcohol by fifty percent; allocates the increased revenue to a special fund to be used for the purposes of alcohol and substance abuse addiction prevention and recovery services and programs.

Previously Filed As

NY S01546

Establishes the addiction prevention and recovery act; increases taxes on alcohol by fifty percent; allocates the increased revenue to a special fund to be used for the purposes of alcohol and substance abuse addiction prevention and recovery services and programs.

NY S02506

Establishes the addiction prevention and recovery act; increases taxes on alcohol by fifty percent; allocates the increased revenue to a special fund to be used for the purposes of alcohol and substance abuse addiction prevention and recovery services and programs.

NY S04595

Increases taxes imposed on alcoholic beverages; authorizes twenty percent of tax revenues to be allocated to the New York state drug treatment and public education fund.

NY S3454

Reduces alcoholic beverage tax rate on cider and low-percentage alcohol by volume liquors.

NY A1139

Creates new taxable category of alcoholic beverages called flavored malt beverages, imposes separate rate of taxation on new category pursuant to alcoholic beverages tax and allocates associated revenue.

NY HB3851

Alcoholic beverages; definitions; providing additional definitions; effective date.

NY A11002

Establishes the gallon as the standard measurement for purposes of taxation of alcoholic beverages.

NY A195

Decreases Alcoholic Beverage Tax rate paid on certain liquors.

NY A09318

Increases taxes imposed on alcoholic beverages; authorizes twenty percent of tax revenues to be allocated to the New York state drug treatment and public education fund.

NY S1940

Relative to a local option excise on the sale of alcoholic beverages for municipal substance abuse prevention and public health programs

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.