S.8440 - New York State Public Higher Education Fairness Act

• Allows SUNY and CUNY to increase tuition by up to 2% for 2010-2011 academic year, and permits differential tuition rates of up to 7% for four SUNY campuses (Buffalo, Stony Brook, Binghamton, Albany) for graduate and professional degree programs through 2014-2015.

• Permits SUNY and CUNY boards to implement uniform tuition increases of up to 4% annually across all institutions for resident undergraduate students through 2014-2015.

• Requires tuition revenue exceeding Tuition Assistance Program maximums to fund need-based aid; mandates comprehensive TAP review and reporting by November 30, 2010.

• Grants SUNY trustees authority to lease property, enter public-private partnerships, and use alternative project delivery methods for capital projects subject to Asset Maximization Review Board approval.

• Expands SUNY and CUNY procurement authority to bypass comptroller review for construction and technology contracts; requires annual contracting process reports and establishes unified statewide appropriation system for SUNY operating costs; all provisions expire June 30, 2015.