NY S00164

Prohibits the state from reimbursing campaign committees, political committees, or legal defense funds that have paid any portion of a state employee's reasonable attorneys' fees and/or litigation expenses for criminal defense.

Requires that employees on whose behalf legal defense funds have been established must exhaust all moneys in such funds before becoming eligible for state reimbursement of defense costs.

Maintains existing provisions allowing the state to reimburse reasonable attorneys' fees and litigation expenses for employees acquitted of criminal charges or whose charges are dismissed, provided they were acting within the scope of public employment.

Requires the Attorney General to determine eligibility for reimbursement and the Comptroller to submit an annual accounting to the Governor and Legislature detailing all judgments, settlements, fees, and litigation expenses paid under this section by January 15th.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.