NY A01143

Establishes an amnesty and fine discount program for small business owners who received fines or summons during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency (declared March 7, 2020) and defaulted or permanently closed due to inability to pay.

Program covers violations from the Department of Transportation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of State, Department of Health, Department of Mental Hygiene, and State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council.

Department of Taxation and Finance administers the program and determines individual business eligibility in consultation with the issuing department or office.

Qualifying small businesses receive amnesty from all extra fees and interest plus a 25 percent reduction of the original fine, with three months to pay the reduced amount; if unpaid within three months, the original fine plus all fees and interest become immediately due.

Defines "small business" as an independently owned and operated state resident business that is not dominant in its field and employs 100 or fewer persons.