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S 5744

Relates to increasing monetary penalties for public health law violations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

Raises monetary penalties for public health law violations to deter noncompliance and strengthen protections for public health, communities, providers, and enforcers.

COMMITTED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · S 5744

Summary: S 5744 — Relates to increasing monetary penalties for public health law violations

Overview

  • Bill number: S 5744 (New York Senate)
  • Title/Purpose: Relates to increasing monetary penalties for public health law violations
  • Sponsor: Cordell Cleare (primary)
  • Introduced: February 28, 2025
  • Current status: COMMITTED TO RULES
  • Committee history: Referred to Health (2025-02-28); 1st Report CAL (May 20, 2025); 2nd Report CAL (May 21, 2025); Advanced to Third Reading (May 22, 2025); COMMITTED TO RULES (June 13, 2025)

Objective and intent

  • The bill aims to strengthen public health enforcement by raising monetary penalties for violations of public health law. The core intent is to improve deterrence and compliance with public health requirements, thereby protecting and promoting public health and safety.

Key provisions (availability of text limited)

  • The precise statutory changes are not detailed in the information provided. Based on the title and standard legislative practice, the bill would be expected to:
    • Create or modify monetary penalties for violations of the state public health law.
    • Define which violations are subject to higher penalties and establish penalty amounts or schedules.
    • Specify who can be penalized (e.g., individuals, corporations, organizations) and how penalties are assessed and collected.
    • Outline enforcement mechanisms and relevant agencies (likely including the Department of Health or other public health authorities).
    • Include effective dates and transitional provisions, if applicable.
  • Note: Specific dollar amounts, penalty tiers, exemptions, and procedural rules are not listed in the provided material.

Who would be affected

  • Entities and individuals subject to public health law compliance (e.g., health care providers, facilities, businesses, professionals) could face increased fines for violations.
  • Public health agencies and enforcement bodies would administer penalties and related enforcement actions.
  • The broader public could be affected through potential improvements in compliance and public health protections, as well as any shifting of enforcement burdens or costs.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Initial referral to the Health Committee on February 28, 2025.
  • First and second committee reports on May 20–21, 2025 (CAL: standing committee status).
  • Advanced to Third Reading on May 22, 2025.
  • Referred back to Rules Committee, and subsequently committed to Rules on June 13, 2025.
  • The bill has companion and related measures in prior sessions, indicating ongoing interest in adjusting penalties for public health violations (see related: A 1118 , A 4756, A 232, S 6071).

Related measures

  • Companions/related bills: A 1118 (companion); A 4756, A 232, S 6071 (prior-session equivalents). These relationships suggest a broader legislative effort across both chambers to address penalties under public health law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Policy impact: Potentially higher fines could deter violations and increase compliance with public health regulations.
  • Revenue and enforcement: Increased penalties could raise state revenue from penalties and may affect enforcement workflows and case load.
  • Economic and operational considerations: Larger penalties might impact regulated entities; considerations may include due process, fairness, and the need for clear penalty schedules and exemptions.
  • Implementation: Success depends on clarity of penalty amounts, enforcement authority, and timely collection mechanisms.

Next steps

  • If advanced by Rules, the bill could proceed to floor consideration with potential amendments. Stakeholders may review the specific penalty schedules, affected violations, and enforcement provisions once the bill’s full text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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