New York Senate Bill S01469

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Excludes the value of state forest preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill parks from use in the determination of state aid to school districts.

Summary

Bill S01469 amends the education law in New York to exclude the valuation of state forest preserve lands located within the Adirondack and Catskill parks from the definition of 'actual valuation' used for the apportionment of state funds to school districts. This change aims to adjust how state aid is calculated, potentially increasing funding for school districts that are currently impacted by the presence of these preserved lands.

Impact

The exclusion of state forest preserve lands from the actual valuation means that school districts with significant areas of preserved land may receive a higher allocation of state funds. This could lead to more equitable funding across districts, particularly benefiting those that are located in or near these parks, as they would no longer have their funding adversely affected by the valuation of non-taxable lands.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S01469 appears to be cautiously supportive, as it addresses funding disparities among school districts. However, there may be concerns regarding the long-term implications of excluding certain properties from valuation calculations, particularly from those who advocate for maintaining the integrity of property tax assessments.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential impact on the overall funding model for education in New York. Some stakeholders may argue that excluding these lands could set a precedent that undermines the tax base, while others may contend that it is a necessary adjustment to ensure fair funding for schools in areas with limited taxable property.