NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7792
SPONSOR: Stern TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public lands law, in relation to the sale of state
lands to municipal corporations
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to permit New York State to sell, transfer,
lease or exchange unappropriated state lands to local municipalities
either without consideration or for such consideration as the commis-
sioner of general services approves.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: amends section 33 of the public lands law by adding a new
subdivision 6.
Section 2: sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Under current New York State law, the commissioner of general services
may sell or convey unappropriated state land at public auctions for
prices not less than the appraised value of the land. This process holds
true even if the prospective purchaser is another municipality.
However, under Section 72-h of New York General Municipal Law, local
municipalities such as counties, towns, villages, school districts and
fire districts may sell, transfer, lease or exchange any real property
they own to another municipality, including New York State, either with-
out consideration, or for such consideration and upon such terms and
conditions as that locality approves. This is an important policy
distinction as local municipalities can save significant money on inter-
governmental land transactions while at the same time promoting projects
of public significance, including the construction of affordable hous-
ing, sewer infrastructure and open space acquisition.
The State of New York should have the same ability as other munici-
palities currently have to make intergovernmental land transactions
without the need for costly auction sales. Allowing the State to sell,
transfer, lease or exchange unappropriated state lands to other munici-
palities, under mutually agreeable terms and conditions, will save
taxpayer dollars and foster the completion of transformative projects at
the local level.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: A.9861 - referred to governmental operations
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined, however, local governments and taxpayers can be
expected to see significant financial savings on any land transactions
with New York State.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
