NY A07798

Establishes a three-year moratorium prohibiting the state legislature from enacting unfunded mandates that impose costs exceeding $10,000 on any single local government or $1 million statewide annually

Defines unfunded mandates to include new programs, increased service levels for existing programs, new or expanded property tax exemptions, and laws likely to raise property taxes

Creates 10 regional mandate relief councils covering all areas of New York State, with members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, county executives, and associations representing municipalities and school boards

Exempts from the moratorium: court-ordered requirements, optional local programs, home rule requests, federal mandate implementation, laws applying equally to government and private entities, mandate relief measures, and public health/safety emergencies

Requires regional councils to hold public hearings, review existing mandates for potential repeal or modification, and issue reports within 270 days; the governor must prepare legislation to address mandates identified as burdensome by a majority of councils