S. 6 - New York State Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act

• Authorizes State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) boards of trustees to increase tuition up to 2% for 2010-2011 academic year, with up to 4% annual increases through 2014-2015 for resident undergraduate students under a general tuition policy.

• Permits differential tuition rates by campus and program for non-resident students and graduate/professional degree programs starting 2011-2012 academic year, with increases capped at 7% annually, subject to trustee guidelines on criteria including program cost, access impact, and fairness.

• Establishes State University Asset Maximization Review Board to approve or deny SUNY requests for leasing, transferring, or conveying state-owned real property and for public-private partnerships, with unanimous voting requirement among three voting members.

• Expands procurement authority for SUNY and CUNY to purchase materials, equipment, services, and execute construction contracts without prior state comptroller approval, subject to university guidelines and annual reporting requirements.

• Requires tuition revenue exceeding maximum Tuition Assistance Program awards to be used for need-based financial aid; mandates comprehensive review of the Tuition Assistance Program to be completed by November 30, 2010.

• Extends all provisions through June 30, 2015, with specified sections expiring on that date.