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Obillerate · Watchdog

New York Bill Book

2026

The New York bills that matter most, scored 1–10 on who they really help — with the receipts. One bill per page. Free to read, print and share.

38 bills scored · data as of 2026-07-28

How to read this book

The score.Every bill gets a 1–10 on one question: does it help or hurt everyday people? 1 hurts, 10 helps, 5–6 is mixed. The score is our editorial judgement — so every page shows the reasoning behind it, factor by factor. That section is the “receipts”, and it is the part no other bill list gives you.

How bills were chosen. Ranked, not cherry-picked. This edition prints the 10 lowest-scoring and 10 highest-scoring of the 38 bills we have fully analysed for New York. A bill only qualifies if it passed our verification step, has a recorded official status, and has its reasoning attached. Thin entries are left out rather than padded.

Lowest-scoring is not the same as evil. Only 143 bills in the entire country score 3 or below, so in most states the bottom of the list includes bills that are simply mixed. We label each one for what it is instead of inflating it.

These are proposals, not law — unless the status line says otherwise. Bills move constantly; each page shows the status we recorded on 2026-07-28 and links to the live version.

Bill data from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), Congress.gov and OpenStates. Analysis and scoring are Obillerate's own. Editorial opinion, not legal advice — always read the official text before acting. Spot an error? www.obillerate.com/corrections

10 lowest-scoring

The worst New York bills

Ranked from the lowest score up. These are the ones most likely to cost you money, rights or recourse.

NY S05310 · Consumer Protection

Broker waiver could let unauthorized insurers sell commercial policies

Permits a waiver of the diligent effort requirement in limited circumstances for certain insurance coverage to be placed by licensed excess line brokers with unauthorized insurers where a retail producing insurance broker seeks to procure or place commercial lines insurance through an unaffiliated wholesale excess line insurance broker. · Engrossed as of 2026-05-19

3/10

Hurts you

Bad for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

The bill would let insurance brokers skip proving they tried authorized insurers before using unauthorized ones, easing placement of commercial coverage through unaffiliated excess line brokers.

What it means for you

The bill would lower the checks on brokers, letting them work with insurers that are not authorized. That could mean cheaper or faster coverage for businesses, but it also reduces oversight and may put more risk on policyholders if the insurer cannot pay claims. Citizens should watch the bill because it shifts protection away from consumers toward the insurance industry.

Who it's for

Insurance brokers

Why it scores 3/10 — the receipts

Accountability (hurts) — Removes oversight requirement. Waives the diligent effort proof, reducing broker accountability.
Rights & Protections (hurts) — Weakens consumer safeguards. Eliminates a protection that ensures insurers are authorized before coverage is placed.
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Potential cost shift to policyholders. Using unauthorized insurers may increase risk for consumers if claims are not paid.
Process Transparency (hurts) — Less transparent placement process. No longer requires brokers to document efforts with authorized insurers.
Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding mentioned. The bill does not create or allocate any funding.

Who's behind it

Bipartisan sponsorship (4R / 2D)

How they voted

Senate · 2026-05-19 — passed
Yes 20R/39D · No 0R/0D

Read it yourself

Official text (NY S05310)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5310
LegiScan — S05310https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/S05310/2025

NY S01970 · Healthcare & Insurance

NY bill forces parents to know about minor's abortion

Requires parental notice prior to the performance of an abortion upon an unemancipated minor; defines unemancipated minor as person less than eighteen years of age; allows for waiver of such notice in limited instances; establishes circumstances and procedures for proceedings to obtain an order waiving such parental notification. · Introduced as of 2025-01-14

3/10

Hurts you

Bad for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

Doctors must give a parent at least 48 hours notice before performing an abortion on anyone under 18, unless a court waives it.

What it means for you

The bill is moving through the Senate, so people can speak up now. If it becomes law, teens may have to tell a parent before getting an abortion. That could stop some from getting safe care. Supporters say it protects kids, but it also limits a young person's privacy and choice.

Who it's for

Government Power

Why it scores 3/10 — the receipts

Rights & Protections (hurts) — Limits minor's privacy and ability to get care without parental involvement.. Parental notice requirement restricts reproductive rights of minors.
Accountability (helps) — Adds penalties for doctors who break the notice rule.. Creates misdemeanor charge and civil liability for non‑compliance.
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Potentially shifts health costs to minors if they avoid care.. Teen may delay or forego abortion due to notice requirement.
Process Transparency (helps) — Requires clear notice to parents.. Provides a documented 48‑hour notice process.
Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding or spending changes in the bill.. Bill does not allocate or require money.

Who's behind it

Republican-sponsored (1R / 0D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY S01970)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1970
LegiScan — S01970https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/S01970/2025

NY S09008 · Money & Damages

NY bill limits car accident payouts, raises driver fees

Enacts into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state transportation, economic development and environmental conservation budget for the 2026-2027 state fiscal year; extends provisions of law relating to increasing certain motor vehicle transaction fees (Part A); extends the accident prevention course internet technology pilot program (Part B); establishes a demonstration program in the city of New York for the installation and operation of intelligent speed assistance devices (Part D); extends provisions of law relating to motor vehicles equipped with autonomous vehicle technology (Part E); expands the automated work zone speed enforcement program utilizing photo speed violation monitoring systems to include all New York highways (Part G); extends provisions of law relating to certain tax increment financing provisions relating to the New York transit authority and the metropolitan transportation authority (Part H); authorizes the MTA to conduct environmental reviews under SEQRA for the crosstown extension of the Second Avenue subway project in two stages (Part I); enacts the dairy promotion act; enacts provisions related to the marketing of agricultural products in New York state; repeals certain provisions relating thereto (Part J); extends the refundability of the investment tax credit for farmers (Part K); authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority to finance a portion of its research, development and demonstration, policy and planning, and Fuel NY program from an assessment on gas and electric corporations (Part M); requires gas, electric, steam and water-works corporations to provide an executive compensation disclosure; requires such corporations to return all revenues derived from their actual return on equity in excess of the authorized rate of return to ratepayers; clarifies costs not to be included in rates (Part N); authorizes the public service commission to consider and approve multi-year changes in rates or charges for utilities (Part O); establishes an energy affordability index; permits the public service commission to implant affordability monitors in certain gas or electric corporations (Part P); makes reforms to the state environmental quality review act relating to sustainable housing and sprawl prevention (Part R); increases rebates for certain vehicles purchased by municipalities (Part S); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions of law relating to the powers and duties of the dormitory authority to establish subsidiaries (Part T); authorizes the trustees of the state university of New York to lease and contract to make available certain land on the state university of New York at Farmingdale's campus (Subpart A); authorizes the trustees of the state university of New York to lease and contract to make available certain land on the state university of New York at Stony Brook's campus (Subpart B); authorizes the commissioner of transportation to transfer and convey certain state-owned real property in the town of Babylon, county of Suffolk (Subpart C); authorizes the trustees of the state university of New York to lease and contract to make available grounds and facilities on the state university of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry to the Abby Lane Housing Corporation (Part D)(Part U); extends the authority of the New York state urban development corporation to administer the empire state economic development fund (Part V); extends the loan powers of the New York state urban development corporation (Part W); enacts the "safe by design act" to authorize the attorney general to promulgate rules and regulations identifying methods for reasonable and technically feasible age assurance which may consider the size, financial resources, and technical capabilities of covered platforms, the costs and effectiveness of available age determination techniques for users of such platforms, the audience of such platforms, and prevalent practices of the industry of the operator (Part Y); relates to requiring insurers to provide written explanations for premium changes in certain covered policies (Part BB); places limitations on damages resulting from motor vehicle accidents (Part EE); requires insurers to file annual reports on insurance for multi-family buildings with the superintendent of financial services (Part GG); relates to the annual consumer guide of health insurers (Subpart A); relates to ongoing treatment by an out-of-network provider during pregnancy (Subpart B); relates to accessible formulary drug lists (Subpart C); relates to utilization reviews for treatment for a chronic health condition (Subpart D) (Part HH); extends the policy period for excess profit refunds or credits to motor vehicle insurance policyholders; requires insurers to submit reports demonstrating whether the insurer realized an excess profit and completed making any credits required (Part KK); relates to the effectiveness of the New York state health insurance continuation assistance demonstration project (Part LL); enacts the "Long Island MacArthur Airport terminal and rail integration project act" (Part NN); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions permitting videoconferencing and remote participation in public meetings under certain circumstances (Part OO); exempts major electric generating facilities that provide emergency back-up generation for manufacturing facilities that produce semiconductors from siting requirements set forth in article 10 of the public service law (Part PP); establishes the crime of criminal interference with access to a place of religious worship (Part QQ); extend provisions of law permitting NYC, Nassau and Suffolk to retain a portion of certain fines under the Cleaner, Greener NY Act of 2013 (Part RR); enacts the accelerate solar for affordable power (ASAP) act to direct the public service commission to advance reforms to the utility interconnection process to ensure timely and cost-effective integration of new distributed energy resources (Part SS); establishes a blue ribbon commission on residential affordability through energy savings (RATES commission) to study the causes and origins of rising utility rates and to recommend actions or reforms to reduce rates; provides for the repeal of such commission upon expiration thereof (Part TT); authorizes the creation of a traffic camera violations bureau to adjudicate owner liability for failure of operator to stop for a school bus displaying a red visual signal and stop-arm (Part UU); relates to climate change; requires the plan toward achieving the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits to be updated in 2028 and every six years thereafter; outlines factors to include when developing a regulatory program or programs (Part VV); establishes a monitor team to oversee the Wyandanch union free school district (Part WW); relates to certain retirement benefit enhancements members of tier VI (Part XX); relation to the re-amortization and valuation methods used for contributions to the New York city employees retirement system, the New York city teachers' retirement system, the police pension fund, subchapter two, the fire department pension fund, subchapter two and the board of education retirement system of such city (Part YY); relates to service retirement benefits for uniformed members of the New York city fire department pension fund (Part ZZ); provides for longevity bonuses relating to first grade firefighters and promotions from the firefighter rank (Part AAA); requires certain pension systems to submit a self-report to the superintendent of the department of financial services; requires the superintendent of the department of financial services to submit a report on such reports (Part BBB); allows a beneficiary of a member whose death occurs on or after July 1, 2026 and who would have been entitled to a service credit at the time of such member's death to elect to receive a lump sum payment equal to the pension reserve that would have been established had the member retired on the date of such member's death (Part CCC); relates to certain retirement benefit enhancements for certain state law enforcement officers (Part DDD); relates to the treatment of prior service with certain agencies by the New York city police pension fund (Part EEE); relates to the restoration of 20 year service retirement for certain New York city corrections officers and sanitation workers (Part FFF); provides for the administration of certain funds and accounts related to the 2026--2027 budget (Part GGG); adds ten additional judges to the civil court of the city of New York (Part HHH); establishes the Excelsior power program designed to reduce peak energy demand (Part III); authorizes certain work in connection with the District Galleria project in the city of White Plains (Part JJJ). · Introduced as of 2026-01-21

4/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

The bill would cap how much accident victims can collect and raise fees drivers pay when buying or registering a vehicle.

What it means for you

Citizens could see less money after a crash and pay more at the DMV, while the state gets extra cash; now is the time to push back before the budget passes.

Who it's for

Insurers

Why it scores 4/10 — the receipts

Accountability (hurts) — Damage caps reduce insurer accountability. Limits liability for motor vehicle accidents
Rights & Protections (hurts) — Limits right to sue for full damages. Caps on accident payouts
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Drivers pay higher transaction fees. Fee increase on vehicle purchases and registrations
Process Transparency (helps) — Insurers must explain premium changes. Written explanations required
Funding Tilt (hurts) — Shifts more revenue to state budget. Higher fees and limited payouts increase state cash

Who's behind it

Sponsorship unclear

Read it yourself

Official text (NY S09008)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9008
LegiScan — S09008https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/S09008/2025

NY A03457 · Money & Damages

New tax credit could help digital gaming companies thrive

Extends the period during which the empire state digital gaming tax credit may be claimed to 01/01/2032; amends the eligibility criteria for game development companies by changing the yearly timeframe structure, lowering the dollar threshold per production, and removing the in-state cost incurred threshold to accurately fit current digital gaming industry models; allows unused credits to be rolled over to the following tax year. · Introduced as of 2025-01-27

5/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would help digital gaming companies save money on taxes, which could make it easier for them to grow.

What it means for you

If this bill passes, digital gaming companies could get more tax breaks. This might help them create more jobs, but it could also mean less money for public services.

Who it's for

Big Business

Why it scores 5/10 — the receipts

Accountability (hurts) — Less oversight on tax credits. The bill reduces the requirements for companies to qualify for tax credits.
Rights & Protections (neutral) — Neutral impact on rights. The bill does not affect individual rights directly.
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Shifts tax burden. Tax credits for businesses may lead to less funding for public services.
Process Transparency (neutral) — Limited transparency. The process for allocating tax credits may not be clear.
Funding Tilt (hurts) — Favoring businesses over public funding. The bill favors tax breaks for businesses over funding for community services.

Follow the money

Pushing for it: Digital gaming companies
Bearing the cost: Public services

Who's behind it

Bipartisan sponsorship (6R / 12D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A03457)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3457
LegiScan — A03457https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A03457/2025

NY S02105 · Healthcare & Insurance

New bill allows insurers to use virtual credit cards for payments

Authorizes an insurer to pay a claim for reimbursement made by a provider using a credit card, virtual credit card or electronic funds transfer payment method that imposes on the provider a free or similar charge to process the payment; defines "virtual credit card" as a single-use series of numbers linked to a fixed dollar amount and provided by an insurer to a provider for the purpose of paying a claim for health care services performed by the provider; makes related provisions. · Introduced as of 2025-01-15

5/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would let health insurers pay providers using virtual credit cards, which might have fees that could affect healthcare costs.

What it means for you

If this bill passes, healthcare providers might face extra fees when getting paid. This could lead to higher costs for patients. It's important to think about how this affects everyone.

Who it's for

Why it scores 5/10 — the receipts

Accountability (neutral) — Providers must be notified of fees.. Insurers must inform providers about potential fees.
Rights & Protections (neutral) — Providers can choose payment methods.. Providers can opt for payment methods without fees.
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Fees could be passed to patients.. Providers may increase costs to cover payment fees.

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 2D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY S02105)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2105
LegiScan — S02105https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/S02105/2025

NY S08157 · Healthcare & Insurance

New tax bill aims to fund Medicaid via business surcharges

Enacts the "NYS health care tax reform act"; establishes a public goods and medicaid subsidy surcharge on insurance corporations; establishes a public goods and medicaid subsidy surcharge on business corporations; establishes a public goods and medicaid subsidy surcharge on pass-through entities; relates to filing fee surcharges; relates to revenues to be included in the health care reform act resources fund; establishes a public goods and medicaid surcharge on misclassified workers. · Introduced as of 2025-05-15

5/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

The bill would add new taxes on insurance companies, other businesses and mis‑classified workers to raise money for Medicaid and other health programs.

What it means for you

The bill could help fund health care for low‑income New Yorkers, but the extra taxes may be passed on to workers and consumers as higher prices, so people should watch the debate now.

Who it's for

Insurance and business corporations

Why it scores 5/10 — the receipts

Accountability (neutral) — no change. Bill does not alter oversight mechanisms
Rights & Protections (neutral) — no impact on legal rights. Does not affect ability to sue
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — shifts cost to businesses. New taxes on corporations may be passed to consumers
Process Transparency (neutral) — standard legislative process. Bill is still in committee
Funding Tilt (helps) — creates new revenue for public health. Funds Medicaid and public health programs

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 6D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY S08157)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8157
LegiScan — S08157https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/S08157/2025

NY A03007 · Healthcare & Insurance

New health budget bill aims to improve services and funding

Enacts into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state health and mental hygiene budget for the 2025-2026 state fiscal year; requires the commissioner of health to provide a quarterly report on known and expected department of health state funds Medicaid expenditures through state fiscal year 2026-2027 (Part A); extends the effectiveness of various provisions relating to social services and healthcare including medical reimbursement and welfare reform (Part B); relates to supplemental hospital payments (Part D); shifts long-term nursing home stays from managed care to fee for service; authorizes penalties for managed care plans that do not meet contractual obligations (Part E); requires a health plan to pay the MCO provider tax for each calendar year; requires every health plan subject to the approved MCO provider tax to submit reports; imposes penalties for failure to submit such timely payments; grants the commissioner of health audit powers; relates to the healthcare stability fund; relates to Medicaid payment increases for certain medical services; makes certain Medicaid payment increases contingent upon the availability of funds within the healthcare stability fund (Part F); relates to insurance coverage for medical malpractice paid for by funds from the hospital excess liability pool; extends portions of the New York Health Care Reform Act of 1996 (Part G); eliminates the fees paid by funeral directors for permits for burials and removals which are used to support the electronic death registration system; repeals certain provisions of such law relating thereto (Part I); relates to extending the time for awards to be granted to applications for the statewide health care facility transformation III program (Part J); requires general hospitals to report community benefit spending by July 1 of each calendar year (Part M); requires hospitals to provide stabilizing care to pregnant individuals; defines terms; repeals provisions relating to required protocols for fetal demise (Part P); relates to improving access to and increasing coverage for infertility treatments (Part Q); requires hospitals to have sexual assault forensic examiners (Part T); extends the provisions relating to preferred sources for entities that provide employment to certain persons (Part Z); extends certain provisions relating to clarifying the authority of the commissioners in the department of mental hygiene to design and implement time-limited demonstration programs to 03/31/2028 (Part AA); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to the appointment of temporary operators for the continued operation of programs and the provision of services for persons with serious mental illness and/or developmental disabilities and/or chemical dependence (Part BB); extends certain provisions relating to services for individuals with developmental disabilities (Part CC); amends the definition of minor to exclude certain homeless youth for purposes of allowing such homeless youth to consent to certain medical, dental, health and hospital services, including behavioral health services (Part DD); relates to involuntary admission and assisted outpatient treatment; establishes the behavioral health crisis technical assistance center; relates to required training and maintaining of records relating to persons dealing with mental health and substance use crises (Part EE); provides that director of the budget, the commissioners of the office of mental health, office for people with developmental disabilities, office of addiction services and supports, office of temporary and disability assistance, office of children and family services, and the state office for the aging shall establish a state fiscal year 2025-2026 targeted inflationary increase, effective April 1, 2025, for projecting for the effects of inflation upon rates of payments, contracts, or any other form of reimbursement for the programs and services (Part FF); relates to the composition and work of mental health incident review panels (Part GG); provides that school-based health centers shall not be provided to medical assistance recipients through managed care programs until at least April 1, 2026 (Part HH); requires any New York subdivision that directly received funds pursuant to a statewide opioid settlement agreement to publicly post on their website information regarding how such funding was utilized and submit such information to the office of addiction services and supports (Part II); relates to clarifying which entities handle the reporting of pregnancy loss; and the responsibilities of health care providers and penalties for not protecting the identities of individuals who suffered a pregnancy loss (Part JJ); extends the authorization for certain fees and charges related to emergency medical services (Part KK); relates to the modernization and revitalization of the Nassau health care corporation (Part LL); extends certain provisions relating to the NYS medical indemnity fund (Part MM). · Introduced as of 2025-01-22

6/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would change health services and funding for New Yorkers, helping many people get better care and support.

What it means for you

Now is the time to pay attention to this bill. It could help improve healthcare services and support for many people. If you care about health services, let your voice be heard.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 6/10 — the receipts

Rights & Protections (helps) — Improves access to various health services.. The bill includes provisions to enhance healthcare access and support.
Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Funding shifts may affect costs.. Some funding changes could shift costs onto consumers.
Process Transparency (helps) — Reports required to track spending.. Quarterly reports will help track Medicaid expenditures.

Who's behind it

Sponsorship unclear

How they voted

A · 2025-05-07 — passed
Yes 0R/24D · No 9R/0D

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A03007)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3007
LegiScan — A03007https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A03007/2025

NY A05705 · Work & Wages

Tax credits for tipped workers

Establishes a tipped employee minimum wage tax credit; provides the amount of the credit shall be equal to the tip allowance for miscellaneous industry workers. · Introduced as of 2025-02-20

6/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

Employers get tax credits for tipped workers

What it means for you

This bill could help employers who pay their workers minimum wage plus tips, but it's unclear how much it would help workers themselves, so now is the time to weigh in on whether this is a good use of tax credits

Who it's for

Miscellaneous industry

Why it scores 6/10 — the receipts

Accountability (neutral) — The bill does not seem to increase or decrease accountability. The credit is given to employers, not workers
Rights & Protections (neutral) — The bill does not seem to increase or decrease worker rights. The credit is for employers, not workers
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — The state would bear the cost of the tax credit. The credit would reduce the amount of tax revenue collected
Process Transparency (neutral) — The bill does not seem to increase or decrease transparency. The credit is straightforward, but its impact is unclear
Funding Tilt (hurts) — The bill would shift funding from the state to employers. The credit would reduce tax revenue

Follow the money

Pushing for it: Employers
Bearing the cost: State tax revenue

Who's behind it

Republican-sponsored (1R / 0D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A05705)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5705
LegiScan — A05705https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A05705/2025

NY A10005 · Consumer Protection

New york budget bill extends protections

Enacts into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state public protection and general government budget for the 2026-2027 state fiscal year; extends the recruitment incentive and retention program for certain active members of the New York army national guard, New York air national guard, and New York naval militia until 2031 (Part A); extends the suspension of the subsidy to the state emergency services revolving loan fund from the public safety communications surcharge until the end of the 2027--2028 state fiscal year (Part B); establishes crimes related to utilizing three-dimensional printers for manufacturing ghost guns and firearm components (Subpart A); provides for firearm prevention technology requirements for three-dimensional printers (Subpart B)(Part C); establishes the crimes of unlawful use of a drone; establishes "the New York state blue list" requiring that the state, its agencies, and any political subdivisions of the state only buy drones and drone mitigation technology from vendors listed on such registry (Part D); relates to the definition of insurance fraud (Part F); extends temporary orders of protection issued simultaneously with the issuance of a warrant until the defendant subsequently appears in court pursuant to such warrant or voluntarily or otherwise, unless the matter is dismissed (Part H); authorizes the liquor authority to change the duration of certain licenses (Subpart A); extends motion picture theater liquor licenses (Subpart B); prohibits wholesalers from assessing certain fees on retailers (Subpart C) (Part O); increases the frequency of education and training in ethics and lobbying; imposes fees for failure to complete training by the required timeframes (Part U); establishes dedicated workers' compensation fraud units within New York state district attorneys' office (Part W); specifies which providers are authorized to render certain medical care (Part X); increases certain purchasing and advertising thresholds to one hundred fifty thousand dollars (Part Y); relates to lobbyist registration fees (Part Z); requires the superintendent of state police to develop, maintain, and disseminate to all members of the division of state police a critical incident paid leave policy (Part AA); extends provisions related to the monetary threshold for certain restrictions on procurement contracts until 2028 (Part BB); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to purchasing of services and commodities by the state (Part CC); repeals provisions that authorize proceedings to revert to the original court of record when a defendant fails to comply with or complete the mental health court program (Part GG); extends certain provisions constituting the New York State community commission on reparations remedies; relates to extending the time the New York State community commission on reparations remedies has to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature and the governor; relates to the status of members of the commission (Part HH); requires prior approval for rate increases for certain policies covering losses or liabilities arising out of the ownership of a motor vehicle (Part II); prohibits the use of employment, education, homeownership, and zip code for determining private passenger motor vehicle insurance rates (Part JJ); extends provisions related to the operation and administration of the legislature (Part KK); enacts the "Local Cops, Local Crimes Act" (Subpart A); enacts the "New York state Bivens act" (Subpart B); restricts action state and municipal employees can take regarding immigration enforcement (Subpart C); prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education due to citizenship or immigration status and other prohibited practices (Subpart D); enacts the "sensitive location protection act" (Subpart E); prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties (Subpart F); creates a new immigrant trust office within the department of law (Subpart G); establishes certain procedures for child care programs for certain children who cannot be picked up as scheduled (Subpart H) (Part LL); extends the term and authority of the independent monitor for the Orange county industrial development agency; requires such monitor also monitor the Orange county funding corporation; modifies the applicability of certain tax exemptions based on population; extends provisions of law related to the independent monitor for the Orange county industrial development agency (Part MM); provides a period of probable usefulness of five years for certain police emergency response vehicles (Part NN); provides for appointments to a city charter revision commission by an incoming mayor (Part OO). · Introduced as of 2026-01-21

6/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would help protect people from ghost guns and bad insurance practices

What it means for you

This bill has many parts that could affect you, from gun safety to insurance rules. It's still being discussed, so now is the time to learn about it and share your thoughts.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 6/10 — the receipts

Accountability (helps) — Increased transparency in government spending. The bill extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to purchasing of services and commodities by the state
Rights & Protections (helps) — Stronger protections for consumers and communities. The bill establishes crimes related to 3D printing of ghost guns and prohibits using employment, education, or zip code to determine car insurance rates
Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No significant shift in cost burden. The bill does not appear to significantly shift the cost burden from one group to another
Process Transparency (helps) — Increased transparency in government processes. The bill requires the superintendent of state police to develop, maintain, and disseminate a critical incident paid leave policy
Funding Tilt (neutral) — No significant funding tilt. The bill does not appear to significantly favor one group's funding over another

Who's behind it

Sponsorship unclear

How they voted

A · 2026-05-21 — passed
Yes 0R/21D · No 9R/0D

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A10005)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10005
LegiScan — A10005https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A10005/2025

NY A10231 · Money & Damages

Unclaimed betting winnings must go to local counties

Requires a regional off-track betting corporation that is comprised in the capital district to distribute unclaimed winnings and refunds to participating counties comprising the capital district corporation; provides penalties for late distributions; provides for the remittance of pari-mutuel wagering taxes. · Introduced as of 2026-02-12

6/10

Mixed

Mixed: some good, some bad — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

The betting corporation must send any money it hasn't paid out by Feb. 28 to the counties, or pay a penalty.

What it means for you

County leaders will get extra funds for services, while the betting company loses money it might have kept, so they may push back.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 6/10 — the receipts

Accountability (helps) — Adds penalties for late distribution. Increases corporate accountability
Rights & Protections (neutral) — Does not change bettor rights. No impact on consumer protections
Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Corporation loses unclaimed funds and may pay penalties. Cost shift to betting corporation
Process Transparency (helps) — Sets clear deadlines and penalties. Improves transparency of fund handling
Funding Tilt (helps) — Redirects unclaimed money to counties. Tilts funding toward local government

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 1D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A10231)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10231
LegiScan — A10231https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A10231/2025

10 highest-scoring

The best New York bills

The other half of the record: bills that would actually help everyday people.

NY A00288 · Work & Wages

Volunteer heroes could get more tax breaks

Repeals the provision of law that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax exemption for service may not receive the income tax credit for such service. · Introduced as of 2025-01-08

10/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would let volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers get both a property tax break and an income tax credit, helping them save more money.

What it means for you

This bill is good news for the brave people who volunteer as firefighters and ambulance workers. Right now, New York law makes them choose between two ways to save money on taxes for their service: a break on their property taxes or a credit on their income taxes. This bill would get rid of that choice, letting them use both benefits. This means they could keep more of their money, which helps them and their families. Some might argue that giving more tax breaks could reduce money for other state programs. But supporters believe it is a fair way to thank volunteers for their important, often dangerous, work in our communities. Since it is still new, people can tell their lawmakers if they think this is a good idea.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 10/10 — the receipts

Rights & Protections (helps) — Gives volunteers more financial benefits for their service.. The bill would allow volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to receive both a property tax exemption and an income tax credit, which they currently cannot do.
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — State might collect less tax money.. Allowing more tax credits could reduce state tax revenue, though the exact amount is unknown from the text.
Funding Tilt (helps) — Helps volunteers keep more of their money.. The bill directly benefits volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers by increasing their potential tax savings.

Follow the money

Pushing for it: Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers
Bearing the cost: New York State (potential lost tax revenue)

Who's behind it

Bipartisan sponsorship (15R / 17D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A00288)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A288
LegiScan — A00288https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A00288/2025

NY A00297 · Housing & Property

New York farmers could get money to build homes for workers

Expands a certain tax credit for farmers to include the cost of construction of housing for farm workers. · Introduced as of 2025-01-08

9/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would give farmers a tax break to help them build homes for their workers, which could mean better places for farm workers to live.

What it means for you

This bill would help farmers pay for building homes for their workers. This means farm workers could get better places to live. Farmers would get a tax break for these building costs. This could make it easier for farmers to find and keep good workers. It also helps make sure that people who work hard to grow our food have safe and stable homes. This bill is just starting, so now is the time to tell your lawmakers if you think this is a good idea.

Who it's for

Big Business

Why it scores 9/10 — the receipts

Accountability (neutral) — No direct impact on accountability.. The bill focuses on financial incentives, not accountability mechanisms for specific actions.
Rights & Protections (helps) — Could improve living conditions for farm workers.. By making it cheaper for farmers to build housing, this bill could lead to better and more stable homes for farm workers, which improves their basic living conditions.
Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts some housing costs from farmers to state taxpayers.. The state's taxpayers would cover the cost of the tax credit, helping farmers reduce their expenses for worker housing.
Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process.. The bill has been introduced and referred to committee, following normal legislative steps.
Funding Tilt (helps) — Directly provides financial benefit to farmers for worker housing.. The tax credit is a direct financial incentive for farmers to invest in housing for their employees.

Follow the money

Pushing for it: Farmers and farm workers
Bearing the cost: New York State taxpayers

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (1R / 12D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A00297)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A297
LegiScan — A00297https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A00297/2025

NY A00486 · Consumer Protection

New bill aims for fair treatment in disability insurance

Provides for equitable disability policies; prohibits any difference, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, or national origin in the amount or payment of premiums or rate charges, or in the benefits payable, or in any of the other terms or conditions of any policy of disability insurance under the workers' compensation law. · Introduced as of 2025-01-08

9/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would make sure everyone pays the same for disability insurance, no matter their race or gender.

What it means for you

If this bill passes, it will help protect people from unfair charges for disability insurance. Everyone deserves to be treated equally, and now is the time to support this change.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 9/10 — the receipts

Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects against discrimination in insurance.. This bill ensures equal treatment in disability insurance.
Accountability (helps) — Holds insurance companies accountable.. Insurance companies must treat everyone fairly.

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (1R / 5D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A00486)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A486
LegiScan — A00486https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A00486/2025

NY A00952 · Work & Wages

New York volunteers get free fishing and hunting licenses

Provides tax credits equal to the cost of the issuance of fishing and hunting licenses to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. · Introduced as of 2025-01-08

9/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would give volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers money back for their fishing and hunting licenses, helping those who help us.

What it means for you

This bill is a good idea because it thanks people who volunteer their time to keep us safe. Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers do a hard job for free. Giving them money back for their fishing and hunting licenses is a small way to say thank you. It could help more people want to volunteer. This bill is still being looked at, so people can still tell their lawmakers what they think.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 9/10 — the receipts

Accountability (neutral) — No direct impact on accountability for public or private entities.. The bill focuses on providing a tax credit to volunteers, not on changing accountability rules.
Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on individual rights or protections.. The bill does not remove or add any specific rights or protections for ordinary people.
Who Bears the Cost (helps) — The state budget would cover the cost of the tax credits, benefiting volunteers.. The tax credit means the state would forgo some tax revenue, effectively paying for the licenses for volunteers, which is a positive cost for a public good.
Process Transparency (neutral) — No specific provisions in the bill text regarding process transparency.. The bill text does not address how decisions are made or how information is shared with the public.
Funding Tilt (helps) — The bill provides a financial benefit to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.. By offering a tax credit for licenses, the bill directly supports and rewards a specific group of public service volunteers.

Follow the money

Pushing for it: Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers (Cost of licenses)
Bearing the cost: New York state budget (Cost of licenses)

Who's behind it

Republican-sponsored (11R / 1D)

How they voted

A · 2025-05-20 — passed
Yes 0R/21D · No 9R/0D

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A00952)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A952
LegiScan — A00952https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A00952/2025

NY A01081 · Your Right to Sue

New bill helps people sue for rights violations in New York

Establishes civil liability for anyone subjecting another person to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by law; establishes that the supreme court shall have jurisdiction over such matters and that the prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees as part of the costs; provides that the state waives sovereign immunity for violations of such law. · Introduced as of 2025-01-08

9/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

This bill would let people sue if their rights are taken away and help them pay for lawyers.

What it means for you

If this bill passes, it will be easier for everyday people to stand up for their rights and get help paying for legal costs. Now is the time to support it.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 9/10 — the receipts

Rights & Protections (helps) — Increases rights for citizens. Allows citizens to sue for rights violations
Accountability (helps) — Holds the state accountable. State waives immunity for rights violations
Funding Tilt (helps) — Helps cover legal costs. Winning parties can recover attorney fees

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 1D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A01081)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1081
LegiScan — A01081https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A01081/2025

NY A03461 · Your Right to Sue

New York bill forces employers to pay arbitration fees

Amends provisions of law governing arbitration proceedings; specifies fees and expenses with regard to employment or consumer arbitration proceedings; directs certain sanctions on a party which breaches an arbitration agreement. · Introduced as of 2025-01-27

8/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

The bill would let workers and consumers force the other side to pay arbitration fees or go to court if fees aren’t paid.

What it means for you

Citizens could avoid being stuck in costly arbitration when a company dodges payment, and could recover their legal costs, making it fairer for everyday people.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 8/10 — the receipts

Accountability (helps) — Adds sanctions for breaching parties. Courts can order payment of fees and impose penalties.
Rights & Protections (helps) — Strengthens right to sue. Allows withdrawal from arbitration and recovery of costs.
Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts fee burden to drafting party. If the employer or other party doesn’t pay, they lose arbitration rights.
Process Transparency (helps) — Requires clear invoicing. Arbitration providers must send full invoices to all parties.
Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding changes. Bill does not create new spending programs.

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 8D)

How they voted

A · 2026-05-29 — passed
Yes 0R/20D · No 10R/0D

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A03461)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3461
LegiScan — A03461https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A03461/2025

NY A05342 · Healthcare & Insurance

Hospitals barred from adding surprise fees not covered by insurance

Prohibits hospitals, health systems, and health care providers from charging facility fees that are not covered by the patient's health insurance carrier. · Introduced as of 2025-02-13

8/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

The bill would stop hospitals from charging patients extra facility fees that their insurance does not pay, unless they get a clear notice first.

What it means for you

If the bill passes, patients will not face surprise facility fees and can see the cost before they get care, while hospitals will have to change billing and may shift the expense to insurers.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 8/10 — the receipts

Accountability (helps) — requires notice. Hospitals must disclose fees before they are charged
Rights & Protections (helps) — protects patients. prevents hidden facility fees
Who Bears the Cost (helps) — cost shift to insurers. fees must be covered or waived, not charged to patients
Process Transparency (helps) — notice requirement. seven‑day written notice in plain language
Funding Tilt (neutral) — no funding. does not create new spending

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 2D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A05342)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5342
LegiScan — A05342https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A05342/2025

NY A07066 · Housing & Property

Co-ops could be fined $500 for missing STAR tax credit

Provides for the imposition of a fine for the failure of a cooperative apartment corporation to credit the STAR exemption to the tenant-stockholders thereof. · Introduced as of 2025-03-20

8/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

If a co‑op does not give the STAR tax break to its owners, it could be hit with a $500 fine and owners could withhold rent until fixed.

What it means for you

The bill pushes co‑ops to honor tax relief for owners, protecting their money and giving a clear penalty if they ignore the rule; it also lets owners stop paying until the credit is applied.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 8/10 — the receipts

Accountability (helps) — adds civil penalty. co‑ops face $500 fine per violation
Rights & Protections (helps) — protects STAR credit. ensures tenant‑stock‑holders receive tax relief
Who Bears the Cost (helps) — cost shifted to co‑ops. penalty is paid by the cooperative corporation
Process Transparency (neutral) — neutral effect. adds recovery process but includes defenses
Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding. bill imposes fine, does not allocate money

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 1D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A07066)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7066
LegiScan — A07066https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A07066/2025

NY A07157 · Healthcare & Insurance

Medicare supplement insurers must tell seniors about cheaper options

Requires insurers offering renewal of certain Medicare supplemental insurance policies or providing notification of a change in premiums of such policies to notify policyholders of the availability of policies offered by such insurer with similar benefits at a comparable premium or the ability of such policyholder to purchase a different policy without the pre-existing condition waiting period; applies to policies for which such insurers no longer accept new contracts but continue to renew for existing policyholders. · Introduced as of 2025-03-21

8/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

Insurers must write seniors a notice about other plans they can buy without a waiting period and any lower‑cost options.

What it means for you

Seniors with Medicare supplement policies that can’t take new customers will finally learn if they can switch to a cheaper plan without a pre‑existing condition lock, helping them keep costs down.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 8/10 — the receipts

Accountability (helps) — requires insurer to inform. written notice to policyholders
Rights & Protections (helps) — gives seniors info on switching. ability to buy other policy without waiting period
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — insurers bear compliance cost. must prepare and send notices
Process Transparency (helps) — makes renewal process clearer. disclosure of alternatives and lower‑cost options
Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding required. bill does not allocate money

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 5D)

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A07157)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7157
LegiScan — A07157https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A07157/2025

NY A08594 · Consumer Protection

NY lemon law update adds repair rights and mileage refunds

Relates to the lemon law applied to the purchase or lease of new or used motor vehicles; updates and amends provisions of the lemon law relating to mileage, fines and arbitration procedures, and notices to consumers. · Introduced as of 2025-05-22

8/10

Helps you

Good for everyday people — on our 1–10 scale, 1 hurts and 10 helps.

What it does

The bill would let car buyers get free repairs, replacements, or refunds, and require manufacturers to cover fees, but refunds may be reduced based on mileage.

What it means for you

Consumers could avoid costly repairs and get their money back if a new or used car is faulty. The bill forces manufacturers to fix problems at no charge or replace the vehicle. Refunds include many fees, but a mileage deduction may lower the amount, so the details matter now.

Who it's for

Everyday People

Why it scores 8/10 — the receipts

Accountability (helps) — adds manufacturer repair duty. manufacturers must fix defects or refund the buyer
Rights & Protections (helps) — strengthens consumer lemon rights. adds repair, replacement, and refund options
Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — refunds reduced by mileage use. deduction formula lowers refund based on miles driven
Process Transparency (helps) — requires DMV notice. manufacturers must report returned vehicles to the DMV
Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding created. bill does not allocate money

Who's behind it

Democrat-sponsored (0R / 1D)

How they voted

A · 2025-06-11 — passed
Yes 0R/19D · No 9R/0D

Read it yourself

Official text (NY A08594)https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8594
LegiScan — A08594https://legiscan.com/NY/bill/A08594/2025

Index by bill number

A00288 — 10/10 · Volunteer heroes could get more tax breaks
A00297 — 9/10 · New York farmers could get money to build homes for workers
A00486 — 9/10 · New bill aims for fair treatment in disability insurance
A00952 — 9/10 · New York volunteers get free fishing and hunting licenses
A01081 — 9/10 · New bill helps people sue for rights violations in New York
A03007 — 6/10 · New health budget bill aims to improve services and funding
A03457 — 5/10 · New tax credit could help digital gaming companies thrive
A03461 — 8/10 · New York bill forces employers to pay arbitration fees
A05342 — 8/10 · Hospitals barred from adding surprise fees not covered by insurance
A05705 — 6/10 · Tax credits for tipped workers
A07066 — 8/10 · Co-ops could be fined $500 for missing STAR tax credit
A07157 — 8/10 · Medicare supplement insurers must tell seniors about cheaper options
A08594 — 8/10 · NY lemon law update adds repair rights and mileage refunds
A10005 — 6/10 · New york budget bill extends protections
A10231 — 6/10 · Unclaimed betting winnings must go to local counties
S01970 — 3/10 · NY bill forces parents to know about minor's abortion
S02105 — 5/10 · New bill allows insurers to use virtual credit cards for payments
S05310 — 3/10 · Broker waiver could let unauthorized insurers sell commercial policies
S08157 — 5/10 · New tax bill aims to fund Medicaid via business surcharges
S09008 — 4/10 · NY bill limits car accident payouts, raises driver fees

New York Bill Book 2026 · data as of 2026-07-28 · www.obillerate.com/library/2026/ny