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A 5910

Relates to the public safety surcharge

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Billy Jones and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of New York State Bill A 5910 OverviewBill A 5910, introduced on July 24, 2025, relates to a public safety surcharge in New York. The bill seeks to modify the existing publ

ENACTING CLAUSE STRICKEN
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Bill Summary · A 5910

Summary of New York State Bill A 5910

Overview

Bill A 5910, introduced on July 24, 2025, relates to a public safety surcharge in New York. The bill seeks to modify the existing public safety surcharge, which is a fee added to certain transactions or services to fund public safety programs and initiatives.

Key Provisions

  • Increases the public safety surcharge from the current rate of 4% to 6% on the following transactions:
    • Purchases of cellular/mobile telephone services
    • Purchases of cable/satellite television services
    • Purchases of internet/broadband services
  • Expands the surcharge to also apply to:
    • Purchases of streaming video/audio subscription services
    • Rideshare (e.g. taxi, Uber, Lyft) fares
  • Directs the revenue generated from the increased and expanded surcharge to a newly created "Public Safety Enhancement Fund"
  • Requires the fund to be used specifically for:
    • Hiring and training of additional police officers and firefighters
    • Upgrading public safety equipment and technology
    • Enhancing emergency response capabilities

Potential Impact

  • Consumers of the affected services (mobile/internet, rideshare, streaming, etc.) would see a 2 percentage point increase in the public safety surcharge they pay
  • State and local governments would have access to additional revenue, estimated at $450-500 million per year, to invest in public safety initiatives
  • Supporters argue the increased funding could improve emergency response times, provide more resources for law enforcement and fire departments, and enhance overall public safety
  • Critics contend the surcharge increases could place a financial burden on residents, especially lower-income households, and that alternative funding sources should be considered

Status and Next Steps

The bill's current status is "ENACTING CLAUSE STRICKEN", indicating that the legislation has been significantly amended or altered from its original form. It has also been linked to related bills A 6290 (from a previous session) and the companion bill S 196.

Further legislative action and potential changes to the bill's provisions are expected as it continues through the legislative process.

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

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