BILL NUMBER: S4040B
SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to the organiza-
tion of industrial development agencies and the definition of labor
organization
 
PURPOSE:
To make industrial development agencies more open and responsive to the
communities they serve by requiring a school board and labor represen-
tative to be members on the Industrial Development Agency (IDA).
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 854 of the general municipal law to define
labor organization.
Section 2 amends section 856 of the general municipal law to require at
least one local labor organization representative and at least one
representative of a school board or a superintendent of a school
district to be appointed to each IDA. It also allows the size of the IDA
to increase above the 7 member limit, if needed, to allow for the addi-
tion of the two mandatory members. The agency size shall decrease its
size to seven or fewer to seven or fewer members as the seats of non-
mandatory members are vacated.
Section 3 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State law authorizes industrial development agencies to grant
incentives, including tax abatements and PILOTs, to businesses and
projects to promote job growth and the vitality of our local economies.
The actions they take, including granting PILOTs, tax abatements, and
terms of the incentives, have substantial impacts on community members,
workers, and taxpayers. Yet, many of these actions are veiled from those
that are affected.
For instance, school districts are required to deal with the budget
impacts of PILOTs without knowing of upcoming meetings or having a say
in the process. Local workers, who have much at stake in this process
and the projects, have been excluded from the discussion and decision
making about projects and incentives.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021/22: S237 (Mayer) referred to Local Government
2019/20: S7347 (Mayer) referred to Local Government
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4040: 854 general municipal law, 856 general municipal law, 856(2) general municipal law
S4040A: 854 general municipal law, 856 general municipal law, 856(2) general municipal law
S4040B: 854 general municipal law, 856 general municipal law, 856(2) general municipal law