New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05215

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  

Caption

Requires state agencies to submit annual reports to the financial committees of the legislature accounting for all fines, fees and surcharges, the purpose of such fine, fee or surcharge, and where such fines, fees, interest and surcharges were deposited; directs unassigned fees to be deposited into the general fund.

Summary

Bill A05215 mandates that all state agencies in New York submit an annual report to the financial committees of the legislature detailing all fines, fees, interest, and surcharges assessed in the previous year. The report must include the purpose of each charge and where the collected funds were deposited. Additionally, the bill stipulates that all funds received from fines and penalties must be remitted to the general fund, unless otherwise specified by law for a particular public purpose.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial practices of state agencies by requiring detailed reporting on their revenue-generating activities. It shifts the financial management of fines and penalties by directing unassigned funds to the general fund, which could impact the budgeting and funding of specific projects that previously relied on these revenues. This change may lead to a reevaluation of how state agencies assess and impose fines and fees, ensuring they align with public interest rather than budgetary needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05215 appears to be cautiously supportive, as it addresses concerns about potential conflicts of interest in revenue generation by state agencies. However, there may be apprehension from agencies that rely on these funds for operational budgets, indicating a mixed response among stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from state agencies about the potential loss of funding that previously came from fines and fees, which they argue are necessary for their operations. Opponents of the bill may include agency heads who fear that the new requirements could limit their financial autonomy and operational flexibility. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for preventing abuse of power by agencies in imposing fines for revenue purposes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A08672

Eliminates certain court surcharges and fees and probation and parole surcharges and fees; eliminates the requirement that a parolee or releasee receiving a merit termination of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution; eliminates the requirement that a person receiving a discharge of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution and the payment of certain surcharges or fees (Part A); mandates that courts engage in an individualized assessment of a person's financial ability to pay a fine prior to imposing a fine (Part B); eliminates the availability of incarceration as a remedy for a failure to pay a fine, surcharge, or fee, lifts and vacates existing warrants issued solely on a person's failure to timely pay a fine, surcharge or fee and ends existing sentences of incarceration based on such failure (Part C); vacates existing unsatisfied civil judgments based on a person's failure to timely pay a surcharge, or fee (Part D); prohibits the collection of a fine, restitution or reparation from the funds of an incarcerated person; prohibits the payment of court fines, mandatory surcharges, certain fees, restitution, reparation or forfeitures from the earnings of prisoners (Part E); vacates existing unpaid surcharges, DNA databank fees, crime victim assistance fees, sexual offender registration fees, supplemental sex offender victim fees, or probation or parole supervision fees; repeals certain provisions of law relating to restrictions on remitting such fees (Part F).

NY HB4942

WORK COMP-SURCHARGES & FEES

NY S00318

Eliminates certain court surcharges and fees and probation and parole surcharges and fees; eliminates the requirement that a parolee or releasee receiving a merit termination of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution; eliminates the requirement that a person receiving a discharge of sentence be financially able to comply with an order of restitution and the payment of certain surcharges or fees (Part A); mandates that courts engage in an individualized assessment of a person's financial ability to pay a fine prior to imposing a fine (Part B); eliminates the availability of incarceration as a remedy for a failure to pay a fine, surcharge, or fee, lifts and vacates existing warrants issued solely on a person's failure to timely pay a fine, surcharge or fee and ends existing sentences of incarceration based on such failure (Part C); vacates existing unsatisfied civil judgments based on a person's failure to timely pay a surcharge, or fee (Part D); prohibits the collection of a fine, restitution or reparation from the funds of an incarcerated person; prohibits the payment of court fines, mandatory surcharges, certain fees, restitution, reparation or forfeitures from the earnings of prisoners (Part E); vacates existing unpaid surcharges, DNA databank fees, crime victim assistance fees, sexual offender registration fees, supplemental sex offender victim fees, or probation or parole supervision fees; repeals certain provisions of law relating to restrictions on remitting such fees (Part F).

NY SB814

Local Government - Development Impact Fees, Surcharges, and Excise Taxes - Reporting

NY HB698

Local Government - Development Impact Fees, Surcharges, and Excise Taxes - Reporting

NY HB06057

An Act Concerning Credit Card Fees And Surcharges.

NY A10976

Requires public notice and hearing prior to the imposition of new fees, surcharges, or material change by the New York state thruway authority.

NY S09343

Requires public notice and hearing prior to the imposition of new fees, surcharges, or material change by the New York state thruway authority.

NY A10361

Relates to the department of public service; limits increases in the amount of surcharges; establishes a one year moratorium on the collection of energy surcharges; establishes a moratorium on new surcharge assessments, taxes or fees.

NY S3225

Prohibits public utilities from assessing surcharges and certain fees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.