New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10889

Introduced
4/8/26  

Caption

Requires any state mandated program imposed on municipalities and school districts to be funded by the state

Impact

The introduction of A10889 could significantly alter the relationship between state and local governments, as it mandates that all costs associated with imposed requirements be borne by the state unless exceptions apply. This legislation aims to prevent local governments from facing unexpected financial pressures from state mandates and ensures that they can maintain their budgetary allocations for other essential services. The requirements apply specifically to costs incurred as a direct result of state mandates, thus potentially reducing the fiscal responsibilities of municipal entities and school districts.

Summary

Bill A10889 requires the state to fund any program that imposes a mandate on municipal corporations or school districts. The bill insists that whenever a mandate results in additional costs for these entities, the state must provide compensation. This measure is intended to alleviate the financial strain on local governments by ensuring that they are not burdened with unfunded mandates, which can arise from various state or federal laws. It establishes clear definitions of what constitutes a net additional cost and outlines the responsibilities of state funding in such instances.

Contention

However, the bill is not without points of contention. Critics of A10889 may argue that it could discourage the enactment of necessary reforms that rely on local implementations since the costs must be borne by the state. Additionally, there may be concerns about the exemptions outlined in the bill, which allow the state to avoid funding for certain mandates if they arise from specific circumstances, such as judicial orders or if the mandate is permissive rather than mandatory. This aspect of the bill may lead to debates regarding the fairness and comprehensiveness of funding across different localities.

Exemptions

The bill also sets criteria for exemptions from state funding obligations, clarifying situations under which the state is not required to provide funding. These include instances where mandates are the result of a court order, executive directive, or those specifically requested by local authorities as necessary for their operational mandates. This selective exemption could lead to disparities in how different municipalities handle their governance, based upon their capacity to absorb additional costs or their specific needs.

Companion Bills

NY S04504

Same As Requires that the state fund any program which imposes a mandate upon municipal corporations or school districts; establishes criteria for any exemption from such law if such mandate is ordered by the judiciary, pursuant to an executive order or requested by the locality; establishes the New York state mandate review council.

Previously Filed As

NY A09529

Provides that state mandates shall not be implemented in school districts after such district has passed a budget; provides that any such mandates shall be implemented in the following fiscal year.

NY S09188

Relates to school property and real property taxes; establishes the blue ribbon commission on property tax reform; relates to state assistance for local real property reassessment, state assistance to assessing units within a school district, providing a fixed real property assessed value for residential real property owned by certain persons over the age of 65 and providing state reimbursement to municipalities for lost real property tax revenue; requires the state to fund certain programs mandated for municipal corporations or school districts.

NY S08619

Requires fiscal notes to be included on any bill which imposes a new mandated insurance benefit or service; expands an existing mandated insurance benefit or service, or adds, expands or requires coverage of any benefit or service under the Medicaid fee-for-service program; requires such fiscal notes to include an actuarial analysis of the potential impact on insurance premiums as a result of such new or expanded mandated insurance benefit or service.

NY A10896

Delays the zero-emission school bus mandate for a period of five years; requires school districts to only purchase or lease zero-emission school buses by 2032 and requires school districts to only operate and maintain zero-emission school buses by 2040.

NY S09667

Delays the zero-emission school bus mandate for a period of five years; requires school districts to only purchase or lease zero-emission school buses by 2032 and requires school districts to only operate and maintain zero-emission school buses by 2040.

NY A08644

Authorizes certain school districts and their municipalities to sign a memorandum of understanding authorizing a one-time annual increase to the amount of school district expenditures funded by city funds to be excluded from the maintenance of effort calculation.

NY S08064

Authorizes certain school districts and their municipalities to sign a memorandum of understanding authorizing a one-time annual increase to the amount of school district expenditures funded by city funds to be excluded from the maintenance of effort calculation.

NY S08049

Requires playgrounds in New York city parks, state parks, and municipalities to be universally accessible.

NY A00176

Allows for state agencies, municipalities, and authorities to provide state or local public benefits regardless of immigration status.

NY S09565

Establishes school-based food pantries in high-need schools in the city school district of the city of New York; provides for funding from state sales and compensating use taxes imposed on receipts from the retail sale of hot and prepared food sold by supermarkets and grocery stores within the state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.