NY A04532

Creates a new Non-Partisan Office of Policy Research and Fiscal Analysis within the legislature to provide independent analysis of legislation, state programs, and fiscal matters

Director appointed for a 7-year term by joint resolution requiring two-thirds vote of both Senate and Assembly, selected based solely on qualifications without regard to political affiliation

Director can be removed by either chamber with a two-thirds vote, and appoints a deputy director who serves until the director's term expires

Office must conduct cost-benefit analyses of proposed legislation upon request of any legislator, evaluate budget surpluses and gaps, assess fiscal reserves including the rainy day fund, and analyze state debt management practices

Requires annual reports: a March 1 evaluation of the proposed executive budget submitted to legislative leaders and fiscal committees, and a December 1 report detailing all requests received and services provided by the office