New York Senate Bill S01136

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires the forfeiture by state officers or local officers of STAR exemption eligibility upon conviction of a felony related to public employment.

Summary

S01136 would amend the New York Public Officers Law to create a new penalty for certain public officials convicted of a felony connected to their public duties or an abuse of office. Specifically, any state officer or local officer convicted in state or federal court of such a felony would permanently lose eligibility for the School Tax Relief (STAR) property tax exemption. The bill names this proposal the "STAR Corruption Reduction Act for Politicians (SCRAP)." The measure applies only to convictions for felonies related to the performance of official duties or misuse of office, and it would take effect immediately for convictions occurring on or after the effective date. It does not change the criminal sentence itself, but adds a separate civil consequence tied to property tax relief eligibility under the Real Property Tax Law.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new section 74-b to the Public Officers Law and create a permanent disqualification from STAR exemption benefits for covered public officers convicted of qualifying felonies. This would affect state officers and local officers as defined in existing law, and would operate alongside any criminal penalties imposed by the court. The bill would also indirectly affect the administration of the STAR program under the Real Property Tax Law by making conviction-based ineligibility a new statutory condition.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as an anti-corruption proposal with a punitive focus on public officials who commit felony misconduct. The sponsor's chosen title suggests a strong reform-oriented and accountability-driven posture. No committee transcript or vote record is available here, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill's framing and introduction.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the use of loss of STAR tax exemption as an additional punishment for public corruption, since it ties a property tax benefit to criminal conduct and applies permanently. Supporters would likely view this as a deterrent and a way to ensure public officials who abuse office lose a taxpayer-funded benefit, while critics may question whether the penalty is disproportionate, whether it should extend to all qualifying felony convictions, and whether it creates unequal treatment compared with other convicted individuals. Because no debate transcript or vote history is provided, specific objections or supporters cannot be identified from the record.