BILL NUMBER: S2745

SPONSOR: STEC
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to requiring the
state pay taxes on the assessed value of properties of closed state
prisons

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To provide local municipalities, school and other special taxing
districts with full market assessed tax revenues to relieve the economic
burden resulting from displaced state workers and subsequent economic
activity associated with a fully functioning State Prison

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Provides that former prisons of.the state pay full property
taxes to local taxing districts upon closure, and until their sale or
re-use by the state.

              

Section 2. Provides effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York State expanded the capacity of its correctional system state-
wide and in doing so, created a tangible economic spinoff associated
with the arrival of personnel necessary to manage operations. Often,
Correctional Officers, civilian staff, doctors, administrators, and the
like would become members of the surrounding community. Schools, busi-
nesses, and municipality services expanded to accommodate the needs and
lifestyle of these individuals and as such, the economy and tax base
expanded with it.

With nearly 30 correctional facility closures over recent years, often
closing in a short time frame relative to an announced closure date,
communities are left with both a significant economic and social vacuum
that has a devastating impact. This bill aims to require that New York
State remain beholden to its responsibility of its part in the social
contract they presented and subsequently entered when approaching these
communities as potential hosts for housing our State's criminal offen-
ders.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to Local Government, TBD for the State

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall become effective on the first April next succeeding the
date on which it shall have become law