A04553 Summary:

BILL NOA04553
 
SAME ASNo Same As
 
SPONSORKolb
 
COSPNSRBarclay, Blankenbush, Brabenec, Crouch, DiPietro, Finch, Fitzpatrick, Friend, Garbarino, Giglio, Goodell, Hawley, Johns, Lalor, Lawrence, Malliotakis, McDonough, Montesano, Palmesano, Palumbo, Ra, Raia, Stec, Norris, Walsh, Smith, Mikulin, Ashby, Smullen, Miller B, Manktelow, Miller ML, LiPetri
 
MLTSPNSR
 
Amd §§210, 612, 210-B & 606, add §§44 & 45, Tax L; amd §18-a, Pub Serv L; ren Art 50 §§1000 - 1003 to be Art 52 §§1050 - 1053, add Art 50 §§1010 - 1017, Exec L; amd §202, St Ad Proc Act; amd §§86 - 88, §51, add §§88-a & 51-a, Leg L; amd §11-1712, NYC Ad Cd
 
Enacts the small business full employment act; enacts various measures to provide tax and regulatory relief for small businesses to encourage growth.
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A04553 Actions:

BILL NOA04553
 
02/04/2019referred to ways and means
01/08/2020referred to ways and means
07/17/2020held for consideration in ways and means
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A04553 Committee Votes:

WAYS AND MEANS Chair:Weinstein DATE:07/17/2020AYE/NAY:22/10 Action: Held for Consideration
WeinsteinAyeRaNay
LentolAyeCrouchNay
SchimmingerExcusedFitzpatrickNay
GlickAyeHawleyNay
NolanAyeMalliotakisNay
PretlowAyeMontesanoNay
PerryAyeBlankenbushNay
ColtonAyePalmesanoNay
CookAyeNorrisNay
CahillAyeBrabenecNay
AubryAye
CusickAye
OrtizExcused
BenedettoAye
WeprinAye
RodriguezAye
RamosAye
BraunsteinAye
McDonaldAye
RozicAye
SimotasAye
DinowitzAye
MillerAye
JoynerAye

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A04553 Floor Votes:

There are no votes for this bill in this legislative session.
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A04553 Text:



 
                STATE OF NEW YORK
        ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                          4553
 
                               2019-2020 Regular Sessions
 
                   IN ASSEMBLY
 
                                    February 4, 2019
                                       ___________
 
        Introduced  by  M.  of  A. KOLB, BARCLAY, BLANKENBUSH, BRABENEC, CROUCH,
          DiPIETRO, FINCH,  FITZPATRICK,  FRIEND,  GARBARINO,  GIGLIO,  GOODELL,
          HAWLEY,  JOHNS,  LALOR,  LAWRENCE,  MALLIOTAKIS, McDONOUGH, MONTESANO,
          PALMESANO, PALUMBO, RA, RAIA, STEC,  NORRIS,  WALSH,  SMITH,  MIKULIN,
          ASHBY -- read once and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

        AN  ACT  to amend the tax law and the administrative code of the city of
          New York, in relation to a tax deduction for small business (Part  A);
          to amend the tax law, in relation to small business employee retention
          tax  credit  (Part B); to amend the tax law in relation to small busi-
          ness hire-NY tax credit (Part C); relating to  directing  the  commis-
          sioner  of  taxation and finance to develop a small business sales tax
          amnesty program (Part D); to amend the public service law, in relation
          to the temporary state energy and utility service conservation assess-
          ment (Part E); to amend the tax law, in relation  to  the  college  to
          work  program  and  credit  (Part  F); to amend the executive law, the
          state  administrative  procedure  act  and  the  legislative  law,  in
          relation  to  the  division  of  regulatory review and economic growth
          (Part G); relating to directing the commissioner of the department  of
          economic  development  to  develop a small business regulatory amnesty
          program (Part H); and to amend the legislative law, in relation to  an
          unfunded mandate moratorium (Part I)
 
          The  People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-
        bly, do enact as follows:
 
     1    Section 1. This act shall be known and may  be  cited  as  the  "Small
     2  Business Full Employment Act".
     3    §  2.  This  act enacts into law components of legislation relating to
     4  "Small Business Full Employment Act". Each component is wholly contained
     5  within a Part identified as Parts A through I. The  effective  date  for
     6  each particular provision contained within such Part is set forth in the
     7  last section of such Part. Any provision in any section contained within
     8  a  Part, including the effective date of the Part, which makes reference
 
         EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                              [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                                   LBD06128-01-9

        A. 4553                             2
 
     1  to a section "of this act", when used in connection with that particular
     2  component, shall be deemed  to  mean  and  refer  to  the  corresponding
     3  section of the Part in which it is found.
 
     4                                   PART A
 
     5    Section  1.  Subparagraph  (iv)  of  paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of
     6  section 210 of the tax law, as amended by section 12 of part A of  chap-
     7  ter 59 of the laws of 2014, is amended to read as follows:
     8    (iv)  (A)  for taxable years beginning before January first, two thou-
     9  sand sixteen, if the business income base is not more than  two  hundred
    10  ninety  thousand dollars the amount shall be six and one-half percent of
    11  the business income base; if the business income base is more  than  two
    12  hundred  ninety thousand dollars but not over three hundred ninety thou-
    13  sand dollars the amount shall be the sum of (1) eighteen thousand  eight
    14  hundred  fifty dollars, (2) seven and one-tenth percent of the excess of
    15  the business income base over two hundred ninety  thousand  dollars  but
    16  not  over three hundred ninety thousand dollars and (3) four and thirty-
    17  five hundredths percent of the excess of the business income  base  over
    18  three  hundred  fifty thousand dollars but not over three hundred ninety
    19  thousand dollars;
    20    (B) for taxable years beginning on or after January first,  two  thou-
    21  sand nineteen, if the business income base is not more than five hundred
    22  thousand dollars the amount shall be four percent of the business income
    23  base;  if  the  business  income base is more than five hundred thousand
    24  dollars but not over six hundred thousand dollars the  amount  shall  be
    25  the  sum of (1) twenty thousand dollars, (2) six and one-half percent of
    26  the excess of the  business  income  base  over  five  hundred  thousand
    27  dollars  but  not  over six hundred thousand dollars and (3) twenty-five
    28  percent of the excess of the business  income  base  over  five  hundred
    29  fifty thousand dollars but not over six hundred thousand dollars;
    30    (C)  for  taxable years beginning on or after January first, two thou-
    31  sand twenty, if the business income base is not more than  five  hundred
    32  thousand  dollars  the  amount  shall be two and one-half percent of the
    33  business income base; if the business income  base  is  more  than  five
    34  hundred  thousand  dollars but not over six hundred thousand dollars the
    35  amount shall be the sum of (1) twelve thousand five hundred dollars, (2)
    36  six and one-half percent of the excess of the business income base  over
    37  five  hundred thousand dollars but not over six hundred thousand dollars
    38  and (3) forty percent of the excess of the  business  income  base  over
    39  five  hundred  fifty  thousand dollars but not over six hundred thousand
    40  dollars.
    41    § 2. Paragraph 39 of subsection (c) of section 612 of the tax law,  as
    42  added  by  section  1  of  part  Y of chapter 59 of the laws of 2013, is
    43  amended to read as follows:
    44    (39) (A) In the case of a taxpayer  who  is  a  small  business  or  a
    45  taxpayer who is a member, partner, or shareholder of a limited liability
    46  company, partnership, or New York S corporation, respectively, that is a
    47  small business, who or which has business income [and/or farm income] as
    48  defined  in  the  laws  of the United States, an amount equal to [three]
    49  five percent of the net  items  of  income,  gain,  loss  and  deduction
    50  attributable  to  such business [or farm] entering into federal adjusted
    51  gross income, but not less than zero, for taxable years beginning  after
    52  two  thousand  [thirteen] nineteen, an amount equal to [three and three-
    53  quarters] ten percent of  the  net  items  of  income,  gain,  loss  and
    54  deduction  attributable to such business [or farm] entering into federal

        A. 4553                             3
 
     1  adjusted gross income, but not less than zero, for taxable years  begin-
     2  ning  after  two  thousand  [fourteen]  twenty, [and] an amount equal to
     3  [five] fifteen percent of the  net  items  of  income,  gain,  loss  and
     4  deduction  attributable to such business [or farm] entering into federal
     5  adjusted gross income, but not less than zero[, for taxable years begin-
     6  ning after two thousand fifteen.]
     7    (B) In the case of a taxpayer who is a farm business or a taxpayer who
     8  is a member, partner, or shareholder of  a  limited  liability  company,
     9  partnership,  or  New  York  S corporation, respectively, that is a farm
    10  business, who or which has farm income as defined by  the  laws  of  the
    11  United  States,  an  amount  equal to twenty percent of the net items of
    12  income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to  such  farm.  The  term
    13  farm  business  shall  mean  a farm business that has net farm income of
    14  less than six hundred thousand dollars.
    15    (C)(i) For the purposes of this paragraph,  the  term  small  business
    16  shall mean: (I) a sole proprietor [or a farm business who employs one or
    17  more  persons  during  the taxable year and] who has net business income
    18  [or net farm income] of less than [two hundred fifty] six hundred  thou-
    19  sand  dollars  ; or (II) a limited liability company, partnership or New
    20  York S corporation that during the taxable year has New York gross busi-
    21  ness income attributable to a non-farm business  that  is  greater  than
    22  zero but less than one million five hundred thousand dollars or net farm
    23  income  attributable  to  a  farm business that is greater than zero but
    24  less than six hundred thousand dollars.
    25    (ii) For purposes of this paragraph, the term New York gross  business
    26  income  shall  mean: (I) in the case of a limited liability company or a
    27  partnership, New York source gross income as defined in subparagraph (B)
    28  of paragraph three of subsection (c) of section six hundred  fifty-eight
    29  of  this article, and, (II) in the case of a New York S corporation, New
    30  York receipts included in the  numerator  of  the  apportionment  factor
    31  determined under section two hundred ten-A of this chapter for the taxa-
    32  ble year.
    33    (D)  To  qualify for this modification in relation to a non-farm small
    34  business that is a limited liability company, partnership or New York  S
    35  corporation,  the  taxpayer's  income  attributable  to the net business
    36  income from its ownership interests in non-farm limited liability compa-
    37  nies, partnerships or New York S corporations  must  be  less  than  six
    38  hundred thousand dollars.
    39    §  3. Paragraph 35 of subdivision (c) of section 11-1712 of the admin-
    40  istrative code of the city of New York, as added by section 2 of part  Y
    41  of chapter 59 of the laws of 2013, is amended to read as follows:
    42    (35)  (A)  In  the  case  of  a  taxpayer who is a small business or a
    43  taxpayer who is a member, partner, or shareholder of a limited liability
    44  company, partnership, or New York S corporation, respectively, that is a
    45  small business, who or which has business income [and/or farm income] as
    46  defined in the laws of the United States, an  amount  equal  to  [three]
    47  fifteen  percent  of  the  net items of income, gain, loss and deduction
    48  attributable to such business [or farm] entering into  federal  adjusted
    49  gross income, but not less than zero[, for taxable years beginning after
    50  two  thousand  thirteen,  an  amount  equal  to three and three-quarters
    51  percent of the net items of income, gain, loss and  deduction  attribut-
    52  able  to  such  business  or  farm  entering into federal adjusted gross
    53  income, but not less than zero, for taxable years  beginning  after  two
    54  thousand  fourteen, and an amount equal to five percent of the net items
    55  of income, gain, loss and deduction attributable  to  such  business  or

        A. 4553                             4

     1  farm  entering  into  federal  adjusted  gross income, but not less than
     2  zero, for taxable years beginning after two thousand fifteen].
     3    (B) In the case of a taxpayer who is a farm business or a taxpayer who
     4  is  a  member,  partner,  or shareholder of a limited liability company,
     5  partnership, or New York S corporation, respectively,  that  is  a  farm
     6  business,  who  or  which  has farm income as defined by the laws of the
     7  United States, an amount equal to twenty percent of  the  net  items  of
     8  income,  gain,  loss  and  deduction attributable to such farm. The term
     9  farm business shall mean a farm business that has  net  farm  income  of
    10  less than six hundred thousand dollars.
    11    (C)  (i)  For  the purposes of this paragraph, the term small business
    12  shall mean: (I) a sole proprietor [or a farm business who employs one or
    13  more persons during the taxable year and] who has  net  business  income
    14  [or  net farm income] of less than [two hundred fifty] six hundred thou-
    15  sand dollars ; or (II) a limited liability company, partnership  or  New
    16  York S corporation that during the taxable year has New York gross busi-
    17  ness  income  attributable  to  a non-farm business that is greater than
    18  zero but less than one million five hundred thousand dollars or net farm
    19  income attributable to a farm business that is  greater  than  zero  but
    20  less than six hundred thousand dollars.
    21    (ii)  For purposes of this paragraph, the term New York gross business
    22  income shall mean: (I) in the case of a  limited  liability  company  or
    23  partnership, New York source gross income as defined in subparagraph (B)
    24  of  paragraph three of subsection (c) of section six hundred fifty-eight
    25  of the tax law, and, (II) in the case of a New York S  corporation,  New
    26  York  receipts  included  in  the  numerator of the apportionment factor
    27  determined under section two hundred ten-A of the tax law for the  taxa-
    28  ble year.
    29    (D)  To  qualify for this modification in relation to a non-farm small
    30  business that is a limited liability company, partnership or New York  S
    31  corporation,  the  taxpayer's  income  attributable  to the net business
    32  income from its ownership interests in non-farm limited liability compa-
    33  nies, partnerships or New York S corporations  must  be  less  than  six
    34  hundred thousand dollars.
    35    § 4. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to taxable
    36  years beginning on or after January 1, 2020.
 
    37                                   PART B
 
    38    Section  1.  The tax law is amended by adding a new section 44 to read
    39  as follows:
    40    § 44. Small business employee retention tax credit. (a)  Allowance  of
    41  credit.   A small business taxpayer, which is subject to tax under arti-
    42  cle nine-A or twenty-two of this  chapter  and  retains  the  base  year
    43  employment level, shall be allowed a credit against such tax. The credit
    44  shall  be  one thousand dollars for small businesses that retain between
    45  one and ten employees; two thousand five hundred dollars for small busi-
    46  nesses that retain between eleven and twenty-five employees; three thou-
    47  sand five hundred dollars for small businesses that retain between twen-
    48  ty-six  and  fifty  employees;  and  five  thousand  dollars  for  small
    49  businesses that retain between fifty-one and one hundred employees.
    50    (b)  Definitions.  As  used in this section, the following terms shall
    51  have the following meanings:
    52    (1) "Small business taxpayer" shall mean an employer with at least one
    53  employee but not more than one hundred full-time employees.
    54    (2) "Base year" shall mean the prior tax year.

        A. 4553                             5
 
     1    (3) "Employee" shall mean an individual employed on a full-time basis.
     2    (c)  No  credit  shall be allowed under this section to a taxpayer for
     3  any new employee if the taxpayer claims  any  other  credit  under  this
     4  article for such new employee where the basis of such other credit is an
     5  increase in employment.
     6    §  2. Section 210-B of the tax law is amended by adding a new subdivi-
     7  sion 53 to read as follows:
     8    53. Small business employee retention tax  credit.  (a)  Allowance  of
     9  credit.  A taxpayer will be allowed a credit, to be computed as provided
    10  in section forty-four of this chapter, against the tax imposed  by  this
    11  article.
    12    (b)  Application  of credit. The credit allowed under this subdivision
    13  for any taxable year may not reduce the tax due for such  year  to  less
    14  than  the  amount  prescribed  in  paragraph  (d)  of subdivision one of
    15  section two hundred ten of this article. However, if the amount of cred-
    16  it allowed under this subdivision for any taxable year reduces  the  tax
    17  to such amount, any amount of credit thus not deductible in such taxable
    18  year will be treated as an overpayment of tax to be credited or refunded
    19  in  accordance with the provisions of section one thousand eighty-six of
    20  this chapter. Provided, however, the provisions  of  subsection  (c)  of
    21  section  one  thousand  eighty-eight of this chapter notwithstanding, no
    22  interest will be paid thereon.
    23    § 3. Section 606 of the tax law is amended by adding a new  subsection
    24  (jjj) to read as follows:
    25    (jjj)  Small  business  employee  retention tax credit. (1) A taxpayer
    26  will be allowed a credit, to the extent allowed under section forty-four
    27  of this chapter, against the tax imposed by this article.
    28    (2) Application of credit. The credit allowed  under  this  subsection
    29  for  any  taxable  year may not reduce the tax due for such year to less
    30  than the amount prescribed  in  paragraph  (d)  of  subdivision  one  of
    31  section  two  hundred  ten  of this chapter.   However, if the amount of
    32  credit allowed under this subsection for any taxable  year  reduces  the
    33  tax  to  such  amount,  any amount or credit thus not deductible in such
    34  taxable year will be treated as an overpayment of tax to be credited  or
    35  refunded  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of section one thousand
    36  eighty-six  of  this  chapter.  Provided,  however,  the  provisions  of
    37  subsection  (c)  of  section  one  thousand eighty-eight of this chapter
    38  notwithstanding, no interest will be paid thereon.
    39    § 4. Subparagraph (B) of paragraph 1 of subsection (i) of section  606
    40  of  the  tax  law  is  amended  by adding a new clause (xliv) to read as
    41  follows:
    42  (xliv) Small business employee       Amount of credit under
    43  retention tax credit under           subdivision fifty-three of
    44  subsection (jjj)                     section two hundred ten-B
    45    § 5. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to taxable
    46  years beginning on or after January 1, 2020.

    47                                   PART C
 
    48    Section 1. The tax law is amended by adding a new section 45  to  read
    49  as follows:
    50    §  45.  Small  business hire-NY tax credit. (a) Allowance of credit. A
    51  small business taxpayer, which is subject to tax under article nine-A or
    52  twenty-two of this chapter and creates a new job,  shall  be  allowed  a
    53  credit  against  such tax. The credit shall be five thousand dollars for
    54  any new job for one full year of employment  by  an  employee;  if  that

        A. 4553                             6
 
     1  employee  has been hired for less than a full tax year this amount shall
     2  be prorated and apportioned to each tax year.
     3    (b)  Definitions.  As  used in this section, the following terms shall
     4  have the following meanings:
     5    (1) "Small business taxpayer" shall mean an employer with at least one
     6  employee but not more than one hundred full-time employees.
     7    (2) "Base year" shall mean the prior tax year.
     8    (3) "New job" shall mean the number of full-time  employees  or  full-
     9  time  equivalent employees above the number of employees during the base
    10  year. For a new business, base employment shall begin at zero.
    11    (4) "Employee" shall mean an individual employed on a full-time basis.
    12    (c) No credit shall be allowed under this section to  a  taxpayer  for
    13  any  new  employee  if  the  taxpayer claims any other credit under this
    14  article for such new employee where the basis of such other credit is an
    15  increase in employment.
    16    § 2. Section 210-B of the tax law is amended by adding a new  subdivi-
    17  sion 54 to read as follows:
    18    54.  Small  business  hire-NY  tax credit. (a) Allowance of credit.  A
    19  taxpayer will be allowed a credit, to be computed as provided in section
    20  forty-five of this chapter, against the tax imposed by this article.
    21    (b) Application of credit. The credit allowed under  this  subdivision
    22  for  any  taxable  year may not reduce the tax due for such year to less
    23  than the amount prescribed  in  paragraph  (d)  of  subdivision  one  of
    24  section two hundred ten of this article. However, if the amount of cred-
    25  it  allowed  under this subdivision for any taxable year reduces the tax
    26  to such amount, any amount of credit thus not deductible in such taxable
    27  year will be treated as an overpayment of tax to be credited or refunded
    28  in accordance with the provisions of section one thousand eighty-six  of
    29  this  chapter.  Provided,  however,  the provisions of subsection (c) of
    30  section one thousand eighty-eight of this  chapter  notwithstanding,  no
    31  interest will be paid thereon.
    32    §  3. Section 606 of the tax law is amended by adding a new subsection
    33  (kkk) to read as follows:
    34    (kkk) Small business hire-NY  tax  credit.  (1)  A  taxpayer  will  be
    35  allowed a credit, to the extent allowed under section forty-five of this
    36  chapter, against the tax imposed by this article.
    37    (2)  Application  of credit. The credit allowed under this subdivision
    38  for any taxable year may not reduce the tax due for such  year  to  less
    39  than  the  amount  prescribed  in  paragraph  (d)  of subdivision one of
    40  section two hundred ten of this article. However, if the amount of cred-
    41  it allowed under this subdivision for any taxable year reduces  the  tax
    42  to such amount, any amount of credit thus not deductible in such taxable
    43  year will be treated as an overpayment of tax to be credited or refunded
    44  in  accordance with the provisions of section one thousand eighty-six of
    45  this chapter. Provided, however, the provisions  of  subsection  (c)  of
    46  section  one  thousand  eighty-eight of this chapter notwithstanding, no
    47  interest will be paid thereon.
    48    § 4. Subparagraph (B) of paragraph 1 of subsection (i) of section  606
    49  of  the  tax  law  is  amended  by  adding a new clause (xlv) to read as
    50  follows:
    51  (xlv) Small business hire-NY tax     Amount of credit under
    52  credit under subsection              subdivision fifty-four of
    53  (kkk)                                section two hundred ten-B
    54    § 5. This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to taxable
    55  years beginning on or after January 1, 2020.

        A. 4553                             7
 
     1                                   PART D
 
     2    Section  1. The commissioner of taxation and finance shall develop and
     3  implement a "sales tax amnesty program" which allows a  period  of  time
     4  for  small  businesses  to  pay a defined payment of tax amount due as a
     5  result of an audit  by  the  department  of  taxation  and  finance,  in
     6  exchange  for  forgiveness  of  a  tax liability, including interest and
     7  penalties. Small businesses are businesses with less  than  one  hundred
     8  employees.
     9    § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
 
    10                                   PART E
 
    11    Section  1.  Paragraph  (g)  of  subdivision  2 of section 18-a of the
    12  public service law, as amended by section 2 of part A of chapter 173  of
    13  the laws of 2013, is amended to read as follows:
    14    (g) The total amount which may be charged to any public utility compa-
    15  ny  and the Long Island power authority under authority of this subdivi-
    16  sion for any state fiscal year shall not exceed  one-third  of  one  per
    17  centum  of  such public utility company's or authority's gross operating
    18  revenues derived from intrastate utility operations in the last  preced-
    19  ing  calendar  year,  or  other twelve month period as determined by the
    20  chairman; provided, however, that  no  corporation  or  person  that  is
    21  subject to the jurisdiction of the commission only with respect to safe-
    22  ty, or the power authority of the state of New York, shall be subject to
    23  the general assessment provided for under this subdivision.
    24    Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision one of this section, for
    25  telephone  corporations  as  defined in subdivision seventeen of section
    26  two of this article, the total amount which may be charged  such  corpo-
    27  rations  for  department expenses under the authority of subdivision one
    28  of this section for any state fiscal year shall not exceed one-third  of
    29  one  percentum  of  such corporation's gross operating revenue, over and
    30  above five hundred thousand dollars,  derived  from  intrastate  utility
    31  operations  in  the  last preceding calendar year, or other twelve month
    32  period as determined by the chairman.
    33    § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
 
    34                                   PART F
 
    35    Section 1. Section 210-B of the tax law is amended  by  adding  a  new
    36  subdivision 55 to read as follows:
    37    55.  Credit  for  college to work program. (a) Allowance of credit.  A
    38  taxpayer who is a small business  shall  be  allowed  a  credit,  to  be
    39  computed  as hereinafter provided, against the tax imposed by this arti-
    40  cle, based upon its payment of  tuition  to  an  institution  of  higher
    41  education  on  behalf of a qualified individual employee for a number of
    42  years, as set forth in a written agreement between  the  small  business
    43  taxpayer and the individual employee.
    44    (b) Tuition. For the purposes of this credit, the term "tuition" shall
    45  mean  the  tuition  and fees paid for the enrollment and attendance of a
    46  qualified individual employee at an institution of higher education,  as
    47  well  as  monies  paid for textbooks in connection with attendance at an
    48  institution of higher education. Provided, however,  any  amounts  which
    49  have  been paid for or reimbursed by any other scholarships or financial
    50  aid, or tuition required for enrollment or attendance  in  a  course  of

        A. 4553                             8
 
     1  study  leading to the granting of a post baccalaureate or other graduate
     2  degree, shall be excluded form the definition of "tuition".
     3    (c)  Institution of higher education. For the purposes of this credit,
     4  the term "institution of higher education" shall mean any institution of
     5  higher education, recognized and approved by the regents, or any succes-
     6  sor organization, of the university of the state of New York or  accred-
     7  ited  by  a  nationally  recognized  accrediting  agency  or association
     8  accepted as such by the regents, or any successor organization,  of  the
     9  university  of  the  state of New York, which provides a course of study
    10  leading to the granting  of  a  post-secondary  degree,  certificate  or
    11  diploma.
    12    (d)  Qualified  individual  employee. For purposes of this credit, the
    13  term "qualified individual employee" shall mean any individual  employee
    14  who  is not a spouse, child or dependent of the taxpayer or any individ-
    15  ual employee who is not a spouse, child or dependent of any  officer  or
    16  employee of the taxpayer.
    17    (e)  Written agreement. For purposes of this credit, the term "written
    18  agreement" shall mean a document signed and  dated  by  both  the  small
    19  business  taxpayer  and the qualified individual employee which contains
    20  provisions including but not limited to the  minimum  salary  which  the
    21  taxpayer  will  pay  to  the qualified individual upon completion of the
    22  individual's degree; the required duration of employment upon completion
    23  of the individual's degree; and the parties' respective responsibilities
    24  in the event that the taxpayer ceases operations or later decides not to
    25  offer employment to the individual upon completion of his/her degree  or
    26  in  the event that the qualified individual fails to complete the degree
    27  or to work for the taxpayer for the agreed upon term.
    28    (f) Small business. For purposes of this credit, the term "small busi-
    29  ness" shall mean any business with less than one hundred employees.
    30    (g) Amount of credit. Notwithstanding the provision of any other  law,
    31  a  taxpayer  which  provides for the payment of an individual employee's
    32  tuition under the college to work program established by  this  subdivi-
    33  sion, shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed by this article,
    34  to  the  extent  of twenty-five percent of monies paid for each individ-
    35  ual's tuition, but such credit shall not exceed  five  thousand  dollars
    36  for one year for each such qualified individual.
    37    (h) Carryover. The credit allowed under this subdivision for any taxa-
    38  ble  year  shall  not  reduce the tax due for such year to less than the
    39  amount prescribed in paragraph (d) of subdivision  one  of  section  two
    40  hundred  ten of this article. Provided, however, if the amount of credit
    41  allowable under this subdivision for any taxable year reduces the tax to
    42  such amount, any amount of credit not deductible in  such  taxable  year
    43  may  be carried over to the following year or years, and may be deducted
    44  from the taxpayer's tax for such year or years.
    45    § 2. Subparagraph (B) of paragraph 1 of subsection (i) of section  606
    46  of  the  tax  law  is  amended  by  adding a new clause (xiv) to read as
    47  follows:
    48  (xiv) College to work program        Amount of credit under
    49  credit under subsection (s-1)        subdivision fifty-five
    50                                       of section two hundred ten-B
    51    § 3. Section 606 of the tax law is amended by adding a new  subsection
    52  (s-1) to read as follows:
    53    (s-1)  Credit  for college to work program. (1) Allowance of credit. A
    54  taxpayer who is a small business  shall  be  allowed  a  credit,  to  be
    55  computed  as hereinafter provided, against the tax imposed by this arti-
    56  cle, based upon such taxpayer's payment of tuition to an institution  of

        A. 4553                             9

     1  higher  education  on  behalf  of  a  qualified  individual  employee in
     2  exchange for the individual agreeing to work  for  the  taxpayer  for  a
     3  number of years, as set forth in a written agreement between the taxpay-
     4  er  and the individual.  For the purpose of this subsection "small busi-
     5  ness" shall mean a business which has one hundred or fewer employees.
     6    (2) Tuition. For the purposes of this credit, the term "tuition" shall
     7  mean the tuition and fees paid for the enrollment and attendance  of  an
     8  individual at an institution of higher education, as well as monies paid
     9  for  textbooks in connection with attendance at an institution of higher
    10  education. Provided, however, any amounts which have been  paid  for  or
    11  reimbursed  by  any  other  scholarships  or  financial  aid, or tuition
    12  required for enrollment or attendance in a course of  study  leading  to
    13  the  granting of a post baccalaureate or other graduate degree, shall be
    14  excluded from the definition of "tuition".
    15    (3) Institution of higher education. For the purposes of this  credit,
    16  the term "institution of higher education" shall mean any institution of
    17  higher education, recognized and approved by the regents, or any succes-
    18  sor  organization, of the university of the state of New York or accred-
    19  ited by  a  nationally  recognized  accrediting  agency  or  association
    20  accepted  as  such by the regents, or any successor organization, of the
    21  university of the state of New York, which provides a  course  of  study
    22  leading  to  the  granting  of  a  post-secondary degree, certificate or
    23  diploma.
    24    (4) Qualified individual employee. For purposes of  this  credit,  the
    25  term  "qualified individual employee" shall mean any individual employee
    26  who is not a spouse, child or dependent of the taxpayer or any  individ-
    27  ual  employee  who is not a spouse, child or dependent of any officer or
    28  employee of the taxpayer.
    29    (5) Written agreement. For purposes of this credit, the term  "written
    30  agreement"  shall  mean  a  document  signed and dated by both the small
    31  business taxpayer and the qualified individual employee  which  contains
    32  provisions  including  but  not  limited to the minimum salary which the
    33  taxpayer will pay to the qualified individual  upon  completion  of  the
    34  individual's degree; the required duration of employment upon completion
    35  of the individual's degree; and the parties' respective responsibilities
    36  in the event that the taxpayer ceases operations or later decides not to
    37  offer  employment to the individual upon completion of his/her degree or
    38  in the event that the qualified individual fails to complete the  degree
    39  or to work for the taxpayer for the agreed upon term.
    40    (6) Small business. For purposes of this credit, the term "small busi-
    41  ness" shall mean any business with less than one hundred employees.
    42    (7) Amount of credit. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law,
    43  a  taxpayer  who  provides  for  the payment of an individual employee's
    44  tuition  under  the  college  to  work  program  established   by   this
    45  subsection,  shall  be  allowed a credit against the tax imposed by this
    46  article, to the extent of twenty-five percent of monies  paid  for  each
    47  individual's  tuition,  but  such  credit shall not exceed five thousand
    48  dollars for one year for each such qualified individual.
    49    (8) Carryover. If the amount of credit allowable under this subsection
    50  for any taxable year exceeds the  taxpayer's  tax  for  such  year,  any
    51  amount of credit not deductible in such taxable year may be carried over
    52  to  the  following year or years and may be deducted from the taxpayer's
    53  tax for such year or years.
    54    § 4. This act shall take effect immediately and  shall  apply  to  all
    55  taxable years commencing after January 1, 2020.

        A. 4553                            10
 
     1                                   PART G
 
     2    Section  1.  Article  50 and sections 1000, 1001, 1002 and 1003 of the
     3  executive law, as renumbered by chapter 770 of  the  laws  of  1978  are
     4  renumbered  article  52 and sections 1050, 1051, 1052 and 1053 and a new
     5  article 50 is added to read as follows:
     6                                 ARTICLE 50
     7              DIVISION OF REGULATORY REVIEW AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
     8  Section 1010. Definitions.
     9          1011. Division of regulatory review and economic growth.
    10          1012. General functions, powers and duties.
    11          1013. Assistance of other state agencies.
    12          1014. Regulation review.
    13          1014-a. Regulations affecting small business.
    14          1015. Division annual recommendations.
    15          1016. Implementation of recommendations.
    16          1017. Cost of regulation study.
    17    § 1010. Definitions. When used in this article,  the  following  terms
    18  shall have the following meanings:
    19    1. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the division of regulatory
    20  review and economic growth.
    21    2.  "Division"  means  the  division of regulatory review and economic
    22  growth created by this article.
    23    3. "Permit" shall mean the whole or part of any state  agency  permit,
    24  license,  certificate,  approval, registration, charter, or similar form
    25  of permission or authority required by  law  or  by  state  agency  rule
    26  having  the  force  and  effect of law, which is required for a business
    27  undertaking, project or activity; provided, however, it shall  not  mean
    28  individual  licenses  for  practicing  a  profession prescribed in title
    29  eight of the education law, filings under the uniform  commercial  code,
    30  or  routine  licenses  and  permits for individual privileges, including
    31  licenses for operating a motor vehicle and  amateur  sporting  licenses,
    32  such as for hunting and fishing.
    33    4. "Rule" means a rule as defined in subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a)
    34  of  subdivision  two of section one hundred two of the state administra-
    35  tive procedure act, including rules of the workers' compensation  board,
    36  but  does  not  include  the  rules of the state comptroller or attorney
    37  general, rules  regarding  jurisdictional  classifications  pursuant  to
    38  subdivision  one of section six of the civil service law, and the alter-
    39  ation of hunting or fishing seasons pursuant to article  eleven  of  the
    40  environmental conservation law.
    41    5.  "State  agency"  means  an agency as defined in subdivision one of
    42  section one hundred two of the state administrative procedure act.
    43    6. "Small business" shall have the same meaning as set forth in subdi-
    44  vision twenty of section three hundred ten of this chapter.
    45    § 1011.  Division of regulatory review and economic growth.  1.  There
    46  is hereby created in the executive department the division of regulatory
    47  review  and  economic  growth.  The  head  of  the division shall be the
    48  commissioner of the division who shall be appointed by the governor with
    49  the consent of the senate and serve a term of five years.
    50    2. The commissioner must have at least ten years of experience running
    51  a for-profit business, with at least three years experience as the chief
    52  executive officer, chief operating   officer, chief  financial  officer,
    53  president,  owner, or any other title used for the highest ranking offi-
    54  cer, administrator or manager of a for-profit business.

        A. 4553                            11
 
     1    3. The commissioner shall be appointed by the governor  within  thirty
     2  days of the effective date of this section and within thirty days of the
     3  expiration  of every five year term thereafter, and upon confirmation of
     4  the senate shall serve a term of five years effective from the  date  of
     5  confirmation.  If  the senate rejects an appointment, the governor shall
     6  have thirty days from the date  of  the  rejection  to  appoint  another
     7  commissioner.
     8    4.  The  commissioner  may  only  be  removed  from office by a felony
     9  conviction or a crime involving a violation of his or her oath of office
    10  or by the assent of two-thirds of the members elected to each branch  of
    11  the legislature voting separately.
    12    5. Such commissioner shall receive an annual salary to be fixed by the
    13  governor  within the amount made available therefor by appropriation and
    14  shall be allowed his  or  her  actual  and  necessary  expenses  in  the
    15  performance of his or her duties.
    16    6.  Upon  appointment  and  until  such term expires, the commissioner
    17  shall not (a) participate in any partisan  political  party  activities,
    18  except that such candidate may register to vote as a member of any poli-
    19  tical  party  and may vote in any party primary for candidates for nomi-
    20  nation of the party in which he  or  she  is  registered  to  vote;  (b)
    21  endorse  any  candidate or political party; or (c) make contributions to
    22  any candidate, political party committee, political action committee  or
    23  political committee pursuant to subdivision ten of section 14-114 of the
    24  election law.
    25    7. The commissioner shall direct the work of the division and shall be
    26  the  chief executive officer of the division. The commissioner may enter
    27  into contracts and expend money, and appoint such officers and employees
    28  as he or she may deem  necessary,  prescribe  their  duties,  fix  their
    29  compensation,  and  provide for the reimbursement of their expenses, all
    30  within amounts made available  therefor  by  appropriation.  Such  staff
    31  shall  be  management  confidential  employees  with an understanding of
    32  private sector business.
    33    § 1012. General functions, powers and duties. The division of  regula-
    34  tory  review and economic growth, by and through the commissioner or his
    35  or her duly authorized officers and employees, shall have the  following
    36  functions, powers and duties:
    37    1. To provide an oversight, review and analysis of the rules and regu-
    38  latory processes of state agencies.
    39    2.  To make binding recommendations to the governor and legislature on
    40  burdensome New York state codes, rules,  regulations,  regulatory  proc-
    41  esses,  and  permit requirements to eliminate or amend them, pursuant to
    42  section one thousand fifteen of this article.
    43    3. To review the  environmental  quality  review  process  established
    44  under  article  eight  of  the  environmental  conservation law and make
    45  recommendations pursuant to subdivision two of this section to establish
    46  a more efficient, predictable, timely, and transparent process,  and  to
    47  ensure  that  the  process  does  not stifle economic growth in New York
    48  state.
    49    4. To review permit requirements and the need by the state to  require
    50  such permits. The division shall make recommendations pursuant to subdi-
    51  vision  two  of  this section to eliminate, consolidate, simplify, expe-
    52  dite, or otherwise improve permits,  permit  procedures,  and  paperwork
    53  burdens affecting local governments, school districts or businesses.
    54    5.  To encourage and facilitate the participation of federal and local
    55  government agencies in regulatory review.

        A. 4553                            12
 
     1    6. To establish an 800 hotline and website to provide businesses  with
     2  one  contact  number  to  direct  questions and to provide assistance to
     3  businesses in the state or businesses looking to open or expand  in  New
     4  York state. Such hotline may be used to report regulatory burdens, state
     5  agencies  overreaching  their  power,  excessive  fines  and  to  submit
     6  requests for regulatory review by the commissioner.
     7    7. To adopt such rules and regulations, procedures, instructions,  and
     8  forms  as are necessary or desirable to carry out the functions, powers,
     9  and duties imposed upon the division by this article.
    10    8. To publish an annual report, after January first and before  Febru-
    11  ary first, commencing two thousand twenty-two, including all recommenda-
    12  tions  proposed by the division and those recommendations implemented by
    13  the state during the prior calendar  year.  Such  report  shall  include
    14  specific details concerning estimated cost savings to the taxpayers from
    15  proposed  recommendations  and actual cost savings to the taxpayers from
    16  implemented recommendations.
    17    § 1013. Assistance of other state agencies. To effectuate the purposes
    18  of this article, the commissioner may request and shall be  entitled  to
    19  receive  from  any state agency, and the same are authorized to provide,
    20  such assistance, services, facilities, and data as will enable the divi-
    21  sion to carry out its functions, powers and duties.
    22    § 1014. Regulation review. 1. In developing a rule, each  agency  head
    23  shall,  prior  to  submitting a notice of proposed or revised rulemaking
    24  for publication in the state register pursuant to  section  two  hundred
    25  two of the state administrative procedure act, submit to the commission-
    26  er,  in  such  form  and  manner  as the commissioner may prescribe, the
    27  complete text of the rule, any impact statements which would be required
    28  by article two of the state administrative procedure act to propose  the
    29  rule,  and any cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment and/or the results
    30  of a negotiated rulemaking or policy dialogue undertaken in  conjunction
    31  with the development of the rule.
    32    2.  The commissioner shall review the agency's submission to determine
    33  whether it is complete and in accordance with the  goals,  criteria  and
    34  requirements of this article and article two of the state administrative
    35  procedure act, including whether the rule:
    36    (a) is clearly within the authority delegated by law;
    37    (b) is consistent with and necessary to achieve a specific legislative
    38  intent  of promoting economic growth or protecting the health and safety
    39  of the public;
    40    (c) is consistent with state statutory requirements;
    41    (d) does not impose a mandate on local governments,  school  districts
    42  or  businesses that is not fully funded, except as specifically required
    43  by state statute;
    44    (e) is clearly written so that its meaning will be  easily  understood
    45  by those persons affected by it;
    46    (f)  does  not  unnecessarily  duplicate or exceed existing federal or
    47  state statutes or rules;
    48    (g) prescribes methodologies  or  requirements  that  allow  regulated
    49  parties  flexibility and encourage innovation in meeting the legislative
    50  or administrative requirements and objectives underlying the rule;
    51    (h) is based on credible assessments, using recognized  standards,  of
    52  the  degree  and nature of the risks which may be regulated, including a
    53  comparison with everyday risks familiar to the public;
    54    (i) gives preference to the least costly, least burdensome  regulatory
    55  and paperwork requirements needed to accomplish legislative and adminis-
    56  trative objectives;

        A. 4553                            13
 
     1    (j) is based upon the best scientific, technical and economic informa-
     2  tion that can reasonably and affordably be obtained; and
     3    (k)  if  possible  and practical, favors market-oriented solutions and
     4  performance standards over command-and-control regulation.
     5    3. If the commissioner determines that  the  submission  is  complete,
     6  complies  with  the  provisions of subdivision two of this section, will
     7  promote economic growth, or is vital to protect the health and safety of
     8  the public, the commissioner shall authorize the agency  to  submit  the
     9  rulemaking for publication in the state register pursuant to section two
    10  hundred two of the state administrative procedure act.
    11    4.  If  the  commissioner determines the submission is not complete or
    12  does not comply  with  the  requirements  of  subdivision  two  of  this
    13  section,  or  is detrimental to economic growth in New York state, or is
    14  not vital to protect the health and safety of the  public,  the  commis-
    15  sioner may reject the rule or return it to the agency, together with any
    16  direction  that  the  agency  amend,  prepare  or  revise  the rule, any
    17  supporting impact statements, cost benefit  analysis,  risk  assessment,
    18  and/or undertake a negotiated rulemaking or policy dialogue to develop a
    19  rule  for proposal.   The division may assist the agency in developing a
    20  proposal that meets the requirements of subdivision two of this section.
    21    5. An agency  may  consult  informally  with  the  division  regarding
    22  proposed rules, supporting impact statements, and other documents at any
    23  time  prior  to the submission of such materials pursuant to subdivision
    24  one of this section. Such informal consultation shall not be binding  on
    25  the division or the agency.
    26    6.  No  agency head shall submit a notice of proposed or revised rule-
    27  making for publication in the state register  pursuant  to  section  two
    28  hundred  two  of the state administrative procedure act, without express
    29  approval by the commissioner. The  commissioner,  in  his  or  her  sole
    30  discretion,  may  reject  any particular rule or category of rules he or
    31  she determines is detrimental to economic growth in New York  state,  or
    32  is  not  vital to protect the health and safety of the public. The divi-
    33  sions shall promptly notify the agency of any such rejection.
    34    § 1014-a. Regulations  affecting  small  business.  1.  Prior  to  the
    35  adoption  of  any proposed regulation that may have an adverse impact on
    36  small businesses, each agency shall prepare an economic impact statement
    37  that includes the following:
    38    (a) an identification and estimate of the number of  the  small  busi-
    39  nesses subject to the proposed regulation;
    40    (b)  the  projected reporting, record keeping and other administrative
    41  costs required for compliance with the  proposed  regulation,  including
    42  the  type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report
    43  or record;
    44    (c) a statement of the probable effect on impacted  small  businesses;
    45  and
    46    (d)  a  description  of  any less intrusive or less costly alternative
    47  methods of achieving the purpose of the proposed regulation.
    48    2. Prior to the adoption of any proposed regulation, each agency shall
    49  prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis with the  goal  of  minimizing
    50  adverse impact on small businesses. The agency must consider each of the
    51  following  methods  of reducing the impact of the proposed regulation on
    52  small businesses:
    53    (a) the  establishment  of  less  stringent  compliance  or  reporting
    54  requirements for small businesses;
    55    (b)  the  establishment  of  less stringent schedules or deadlines for
    56  compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses;

        A. 4553                            14
 
     1    (c) the consolidation or simplification  of  compliance  or  reporting
     2  requirements for small businesses;
     3    (d) the establishment of performance standards for small businesses to
     4  replace  design  or operational standards required in the proposed regu-
     5  lation; and
     6    (e) the exemption of small businesses from all  or  any  part  of  the
     7  requirements contained in the proposed regulation.
     8    3.  (a)  Within four years of the effective date of this section, each
     9  agency shall review all agency rules existing at the time  of  enactment
    10  to  determine  whether such rules should be continued without change, or
    11  should be amended or rescinded, consistent with the stated objectives of
    12  those statutes, to minimize economic impact of the rules on small  busi-
    13  nesses.
    14    (b)  Rules  adopted after the effective date of this section should be
    15  reviewed every five years after the publication of  such  rules  as  the
    16  final  rule  to ensure that they minimize economic impact on small busi-
    17  nesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives  of  applicable
    18  statutes.
    19    (c)  In  reviewing  rules  to  minimize economic impact of the rule on
    20  small businesses, the agency shall consider the following factors:
    21    (i) the continued need for the rule;
    22    (ii) the nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule
    23  from the public;
    24    (iii) the complexity of the rule;
    25    (iv) the extent to which the rule overlaps,  duplicates  or  conflicts
    26  with other federal, state and local governmental rules; and
    27    (v) the length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the degree
    28  to  which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed
    29  in the area affected by the rule.
    30    § 1015. Division annual recommendations. On or before  January  first,
    31  two thousand twenty and annually thereafter, the division shall transmit
    32  to  the governor and the legislature a report containing its recommenda-
    33  tions, which shall include:
    34    1. specific recommendations for repealing or amending New  York  state
    35  codes, rules, regulations, regulatory processes, and permit requirements
    36  as  it  deems  necessary  to  lower  costs for local governments, school
    37  districts and businesses or promote economic growth; and
    38    2.  recommended dates by which such actions should occur.
    39    § 1016. Implementation  of  recommendations.  1.  Notwithstanding  any
    40  contrary  provision  of law, rule or regulation related to the repeal or
    41  amendment of any New York state codes,  rules,  regulations,  regulatory
    42  processes,  and  permit requirements identified in the division's recom-
    43  mendations, the secretary of state shall take all actions  necessary  to
    44  implement,  in  a reasonable, cost-efficient manner, the recommendations
    45  of the division pursuant to section one thousand fifteen of  this  arti-
    46  cle,  including,  but  not  limited to coordination with state agencies,
    47  authorities, and other parties as the commissioner deems appropriate.
    48    2. The provisions of subdivision one of this section shall not  apply:
    49  (a)  unless  the  governor  has  transmitted the division's report under
    50  section one thousand fifteen of this article with  his  or  her  written
    51  approval  of the recommendations of the division pursuant to section one
    52  thousand fifteen of this article to the secretary of state and transmit-
    53  ted a message  to  the  legislature  stating  his  or  her  approval  or
    54  rejection  of  the report within five days of receiving such report; and
    55  (b) if a majority of the members of each house of the  legislature  vote
    56  to  adopt  a  concurrent resolution rejecting the recommendations of the

        A. 4553                            15
 
     1  division pursuant to section one thousand fifteen  of  this  article  in
     2  their  entirety  within  sixty  days, after receiving a message from the
     3  governor under this subdivision. In no  event  shall  the  secretary  of
     4  state begin to implement the recommendations of the division pursuant to
     5  section  one thousand fifteen of this article prior to the expiration of
     6  the legislature's sixty day review period.
     7    § 1017. Cost of regulation study. The commissioner is  hereby  author-
     8  ized  and  directed to prepare or have prepared a comprehensive study to
     9  measure and report the cost of regulations to businesses throughout  the
    10  state of New York.
    11    2.  Such study shall be completed within eighteen months of the effec-
    12  tive date of this section.
    13    § 2. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 6-a of  section  202  of  the  state
    14  administrative  procedure  act, as amended by chapter 295 of the laws of
    15  2017, is amended to read as follows:
    16    (a) An agency shall transmit a copy of any rule making notice prepared
    17  pursuant to this article and approved by the commissioner of  the  divi-
    18  sion  of regulatory review and economic growth pursuant to article fifty
    19  of the executive law to the governor, the  temporary  president  of  the
    20  senate,  the speaker of the assembly, the minority leader of the senate,
    21  the minority leader of the assembly and the  administrative  regulations
    22  review  commission at the time such notice is submitted to the secretary
    23  of state for publication in the state register. Such  transmittal  shall
    24  include  the complete rule text, regulatory impact statement, regulatory
    25  flexibility analysis, rural  area  flexibility  analysis,  or  revisions
    26  thereof,  and  any other information submitted to the secretary of state
    27  pursuant to this article.
    28    § 3. Section 86 of the legislative law, as added by chapter 689 of the
    29  laws of 1978, is amended to read as follows:
    30    § 86. Administrative regulations review commission.  There  is  hereby
    31  created  an  administrative  regulations review commission to consist of
    32  two members of the senate to be appointed by the temporary president  of
    33  the  senate,  two members of the assembly to be appointed by the speaker
    34  of the assembly, [one member] two members of the senate to be  appointed
    35  by the minority leader of the senate and [one member] two members of the
    36  assembly  to  be  appointed  by the minority leader of the assembly. The
    37  temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly  shall
    38  each  appoint  a  co-chairman from among the commission membership.  Any
    39  vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as  the  original  appoint-
    40  ment.    Such  appointees  shall serve at the pleasure of the respective
    41  legislative member making such appointment.
    42    § 4. Section 87 of the legislative law, as added by chapter 689 of the
    43  laws of 1978, is amended to read as follows:
    44    § 87. Powers and duties. 1. The commission shall  exercise  continuous
    45  oversight of the process of rule making and examine rules, as defined in
    46  subdivision  two  of section one hundred two of the state administrative
    47  procedure act, adopted or proposed by each agency with  respect  to  (i)
    48  statutory  authority,  (ii)  compliance  with  legislative intent, (iii)
    49  impact on the economy and on the government operations of the state  and
    50  its  local  governments,  and  (iv)  impact on affected parties; and, in
    51  furtherance of such duties, may examine other issues it deems  appropri-
    52  ate. For purpose of this article, the term agency shall mean any depart-
    53  ment, board, bureau, commission, division, office, council, committee or
    54  officer of the state or a public benefit corporation or public authority
    55  at least one of whose members is appointed by the governor.

        A. 4553                            16
 
     1    2. The commission shall review any legislation requiring a commission-
     2  er or agency as defined by subdivision one of section one hundred two of
     3  the  state  administrative procedure act, to promulgate any codes, rules
     4  and regulations necessary for the implementation  and  make  recommenda-
     5  tions  to  the  members  of the legislature. Such recommendations should
     6  include the commission's approval if the legislation is deemed necessary
     7  to protect the health and safety  of  the  public  or  the  commission's
     8  disapproval if such legislation is deemed detrimental to economic growth
     9  in  New  York state, or is not vital to protect the health and safety of
    10  the public.
    11    3. The commission shall review New York state laws that result in  the
    12  promulgation  of codes, rules or regulations by a commissioner or agency
    13  as defined by subdivision one of section one hundred two  of  the  state
    14  administrative procedure act, or any laws the commission deems a regula-
    15  tory  burden  on  local  governments, school districts or businesses and
    16  make recommendations to the members of the legislature. Such recommenda-
    17  tions should include the commission's request for the repeal of laws  it
    18  deems  increase  costs  for local governments, school districts or busi-
    19  nesses or are detrimental to economic growth in New York state,  or  are
    20  not vital to protect the health and safety of the public.
    21    4.  The  commission  may employ such staff and retain such consultants
    22  and expert services as may be necessary and fix their  compensation  and
    23  expenses  within  the  amounts  appropriated therefor. Employment by the
    24  commission shall be deemed to be employment by the legislature  for  all
    25  purposes.
    26    [3] 5.  The commission shall have the power, subject to the provisions
    27  of  section  seventy-three  of  the  civil rights law, to hold hearings,
    28  subpoena witnesses, administer oaths,  take  testimony  and  compel  the
    29  production of books, papers, documents and other evidence in furtherance
    30  of  its  duties;  provided, however, that no subpoena shall issue except
    31  upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole membership  of  the
    32  commission.  The commission may request and shall receive from all agen-
    33  cies such assistance and data as will enable it properly  to  consummate
    34  any such examination, and review.
    35    §  5.  Section 88 of the legislative law, as amended by chapter 850 of
    36  the laws of 1990, is amended to read as follows:
    37    § 88. Reports. The commission shall, [from  time  to  time]  annually,
    38  report  its  findings and recommendations to the governor, the temporary
    39  president of the senate and the speaker of the  assembly,  the  minority
    40  leader  of  the  senate, the minority leader of the assembly, and to the
    41  members of the legislature, and may at any time make recommendations  to
    42  the  division  of  regulatory  review  and economic growth and an agency
    43  based upon its review of that agency's rule making process,  or  any  of
    44  the agency's proposed, revised or adopted rules.
    45    §  6.  The  legislative law is amended by adding a new section 88-a to
    46  read as follows:
    47    § 88-a. Regulatory Wednesdays. 1. Every Wednesday, which is  a  sched-
    48  uled  session  day  for  the  legislature in every week beginning with a
    49  scheduled session day on Monday, shall be deemed  regulatory  Wednesday.
    50  The  commission  shall be required to meet on every regulatory Wednesday
    51  to perform its powers and duties pursuant  to  section  eighty-seven  of
    52  this article.
    53    2.  On  every regulatory Wednesday, the senate and assembly shall take
    54  up any bills on any order of third reading that are before each  respec-
    55  tive  house  for final disposition, that have gained the approval of the
    56  commission prior to taking up any other bill on any order of third read-

        A. 4553                            17
 
     1  ing, unless such action is waived, without debate, upon a majority  vote
     2  of the members present.
     3    § 7. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi-
     4  sion,  section  or  part  of  this act shall be adjudged by any court of
     5  competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment  shall  not  affect,
     6  impair,  or  invalidate  the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in
     7  its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph,  subdivision,  section
     8  or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg-
     9  ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of
    10  the  legislature  that  this  act  would  have been enacted even if such
    11  invalid provisions had not been included herein.
    12    § 8. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after
    13  it shall have become a law and shall apply to rules and revised rules to
    14  be submitted for publication in the state register  on  and  after  such
    15  date.
 
    16                                   PART H
 
    17    Section  1. The commissioner of the department of economic development
    18  shall develop and implement a "regulatory amnesty" period to  allow  for
    19  small  businesses  to  remedy rules or regulations violations before any
    20  violations or sanctions are levied. Such regulatory amnesty period  must
    21  be at least six months. If a small business remedies the violation with-
    22  in  the time period established by the commissioner, such business shall
    23  not be subjected to fines or penalties.
    24    § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
 
    25                                   PART I
 
    26    Section 1. The legislative law is amended by adding a new section 51-a
    27  to read as follows:
    28    § 51-a. Moratorium on unfunded mandates. 1. Definitions.  As  used  in
    29  this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
    30    (a)  "Local  government"  means  a county, city, town, village, school
    31  district, or special district.
    32    (b) "Small business" means any business with  less  than  one  hundred
    33  employees.
    34    (c)  "Net  additional cost" means the cost or costs incurred or antic-
    35  ipated to be incurred within a one year period by a local government  in
    36  performing  or  administering  any  program,  project, or activity after
    37  subtracting therefrom any revenues received or receivable by such  local
    38  government  in relation to such program, project, or activity, including
    39  but not limited to: (i) fees charged to the recipients of such  program,
    40  project,  or  activity;  (ii)  state  or federal funds received for such
    41  program, project, or activity; and (iii) an offsetting savings resulting
    42  from the diminution or elimination of any  other  program,  project,  or
    43  activity  that  state  law  requires such local government to provide or
    44  undertake.
    45    (d) "Unfunded mandate" means: (i) any state law that requires a  local
    46  government  to provide or undertake any new program, project or activity
    47  that results in an annual net additional cost to any local government in
    48  excess of ten thousand dollars or an  aggregate  annual  net  additional
    49  cost  to all local governments within the state in excess of one million
    50  dollars; or (ii) any state law  that  requires  a  local  government  to
    51  provide  a  higher  level of service or funding for an existing program,
    52  project or activity that results in an annual net additional cost to any

        A. 4553                            18
 
     1  local government in excess of ten thousand dollars or an aggregate annu-
     2  al net additional cost to all local  governments  within  the  state  in
     3  excess  of  one  million dollars; or (iii) any state law that requires a
     4  local  government to grant any new property tax exemption or that broad-
     5  ens the eligibility or increases the dollar amount of any existing prop-
     6  erty tax exemption, on property  that  otherwise  would  have  generated
     7  revenue  under the current property tax rate of such local government in
     8  excess of ten thousand dollars in any local government or in  excess  of
     9  one  million  dollars  statewide;  or  (iv)  any  state law with a legal
    10  requirement that would otherwise likely have the effect of raising prop-
    11  erty taxes in excess of ten thousand dollars in any local government  or
    12  in  excess  of  one million dollars statewide; or (v) any state law that
    13  requires a small business to  undertake  any  new  program,  project  or
    14  activity that results in an annual net additional cost to the business.
    15    2.   Moratorium   on  unfunded  mandates.  Notwithstanding  any  other
    16  provision of law, no unfunded mandates shall be enacted.
    17    3. Exemptions. (a) A state law shall not  be  considered  an  unfunded
    18  mandate where such law: (i) is required by a court order or judgment; or
    19  (ii)  is provided at the option of the local government under a law that
    20  is permissive rather than mandatory; or (iii) results from  the  passage
    21  of  a home rule message whereby a local government requests authority to
    22  implement the program or service specified in the statute, and the stat-
    23  ute imposes costs only upon that local  government  which  requests  the
    24  authority to impose the program or service; or (iv) is required by stat-
    25  ute  or  executive order that implements a federal law or regulation and
    26  results from costs mandated by the federal government to be borne at the
    27  local level, unless the statute or  executive  order  results  in  costs
    28  which  exceed  the  costs  mandated by the federal government; or (v) is
    29  imposed on both government and non-government entities in  the  same  or
    30  substantially  similar circumstances; or (vi) repeals or revises a state
    31  law to ease an existing requirement that a local government  provide  or
    32  undertake  a program, project, or activity, or reapportions the costs of
    33  activities between local governments; or (vii) is necessary  to  protect
    34  against an immediate threat to public health or safety.
    35    (b) The effective date of any act establishing a mandate shall provide
    36  a  reasonable time for the state and any local government to plan imple-
    37  mentation thereof and shall  be  consistent  with  the  availability  of
    38  required funds.
    39    § 2. Section 51 of the legislative law, as added by chapter 985 of the
    40  laws of 1983, is amended to read as follows:
    41    § 51. Fiscal [impact] notes on bills affecting political subdivisions.
    42  1.  For  the  purpose  of this section, the term "political subdivision"
    43  means any county,  city,  town,  village,  special  district  or  school
    44  district.
    45    2.  [The  legislature shall by concurrent resolution of the senate and
    46  assembly prescribe rules requiring fiscal notes to accompany, on a sepa-
    47  rate form, bills and amendments to bills, except as otherwise prescribed
    48  by such rules, which] A bill that would substantially affect the  reven-
    49  ues  or  expenses, or both, of any political subdivision shall contain a
    50  fiscal note stating the estimated annual cost to the political  subdivi-
    51  sion affected and the source of such estimate.
    52    3. Fiscal notes shall not, however, be required for bills: (a) subject
    53  to  the  provisions of section fifty of this chapter, or (b) accompanied
    54  by special home rule requests submitted by  political  subdivisions,  or
    55  (c)  which provide discretionary authority to political subdivisions, or
    56  (d) submitted pursuant to section twenty-four of the state finance law.

        A. 4553                            19
 
     1    4. If the estimate or estimates contained in a fiscal note are inaccu-
     2  rate, such inaccuracies shall not  affect,  impair  or  invalidate  such
     3  bill.
     4    §  3.  This act shall take effect immediately, provided, however, that
     5  section one of this act shall only apply  to  laws  enacted  after  such
     6  effective date.
     7    § 3. Severability clause. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivi-
     8  sion,  section  or  part  of  this act shall be adjudged by any court of
     9  competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgement shall  not  affect,
    10  impair,  or  invalidate  the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in
    11  its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph,  subdivision,  section
    12  or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judg-
    13  ment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of
    14  the  legislature  that  this  act  would  have been enacted even if such
    15  invalid provisions had not been included herein.
    16    § 4. This act shall take effect immediately  provided,  however,  that
    17  the  applicable effective date of Parts A through I of this act shall be
    18  as specifically set forth in the last section of such Parts.
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