BILL NUMBER: S468
SPONSOR: TEDISCO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the tax law, in relation to providing a tax credit for
qualified expenses relating to healthy living
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation will provide New Yorkers with a state income tax credit
to offset expenses made for purchases relating to exercise activity.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This bill adds a new section, (000) to Section 606 the Tax Law to
provide a healthy living credit of up to one thousand dollars for quali-
fied expenses relating to healthy living. A qualified expense shall mean
any expense relating to the purchase of exercise equipment, and the cost
of membership at a gym or other similar facility or other classes
involving physical activity including but not limited to sports, dance,
or martial arts and any other expenses as determined by the commissioner
to be expenses relating to healthy living.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
With health care costs skyrocketing and obesity approaching epidemic
proportions, New York State should reward those who take steps to
improve their health and physical fitness. Providing tax incentives that
encourage people to join gyms or participate in other fitness programs
is a good way to promote a healthy lifestyle that will ultimately save
the state money.
Parents should be allowed a deduction for enrolling their children in
sports and other fitness programs that promote increased physical activ-
ity. Taking steps now that encourage physical fitness will contribute to
healthier New Yorkers and will decrease the likelihood of medical prob-
lems associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
01/24/17: S.3574 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/03/18: S.3574 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/09/19: S.187 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/08/20: S.187 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
01/06/21: S.196 REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
01/05/22: S.196 REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
01/04/23: S.92 REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
01/03/24: S.92 REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to taxable years
beginning on and after the first of January next succeeding the date on
which it shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S468: 606 tax law