S4006C

The New York State Senate passed the state budget bill (S4006C) on a 39-24 vote after more than three hours of contentious debate over bail reform, climate policy, and education funding. The bill, dubbed the "Big Ugly" for its size and controversial provisions, represents a compromise between the Democratic majority and Governor Hochul's office after a month-long impasse. The budget fully funds Foundation Aid for public schools for the third consecutive year, expands school meal programs, and includes major climate provisions including an all-electric buildings mandate and a Build Public Renewables Act. However, the bill proved divisive over bail reform changes that critics said fall short of meaningful reform. The bail provisions replace the "least restrictive means" standard with language requiring judges to consider "the kind and degree of control or restriction necessary" to ensure defendants' return to court, but do not add a dangerousness standard that 49 other states employ. Opponents argued the changes are cosmetic and won't improve public safety, while supporters contended they provide judges with needed discretion on qualifying offenses. The all-electric buildings provision, which prohibits new buildings under seven stories from using fossil fuels after 2025 and all other buildings after 2028, also drew criticism from senators concerned about grid reliability and costs. Supporters argued the mandate is essential to meet climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The budget also includes provisions on cannabis enforcement, Western New York OTB reform, and minimum wage indexing. Twenty-four senators voted against the bill, citing concerns about bail reform, electrification mandates, charter school expansion, and insufficient housing protections.