Repeals the tax exempt status of private universities that receive real property tax exemptions of one hundred million dollars or more

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 12 co-sponsors

Repeals tax-exempt status for private New York universities whose real property tax exemptions total $100 million or more, making those properties taxable.

REFERRED TO REAL PROPERTY TAXATION

Bill Summary: A 2130

Basic Information

Bill Number: A 2130

Title: Repeals the tax exempt status of private universities that receive real property tax exemptions of one hundred million dollars or more

Status: Referred to Real Property Taxation

Introduced: January 15, 2025

Classification: Bill

Sponsor(s): Zohran Mamdani (primary); with cosponsors including Sarahana Shrestha, Grace Lee, Marcela Mitaynes, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Emily Gallagher, Tony Simone, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Claire Valdez, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Karines Reyes, Harvey Epstein, Ron Kim

Purpose and Intent

The bill intends to adjust how property tax exemptions are treated for private universities in cases where those exemptions total at least $100 million. Specifically, it would repeal the tax-exempt status of private universities that receive real property tax exemptions meeting or exceeding that threshold.

Key Provisions (as disclosed)

Threshold Trigger: Private universities with real property tax exemptions totaling $100 million or more would have their tax-exempt status repealed.

Scope of Repeal: The repeal applies to the tax-exempt status tied to the identified real property tax exemptions. (Details beyond this scope are not provided in the summary.)

Effective Date / Implementation: Not specified in the available information. The bill’s text would determine when the repeal would take effect, if enacted.

Affected Entities

Private universities in New York State that currently receive real property tax exemptions totaling at least $100 million.

These institutions would, under the bill, lose their tax-exempt status associated with those properties, resulting in eligibility for property taxation on those properties (subject to local assessments and rates).

Legislative Process and Related Legislation

Current Path: Referred to the Real Property Taxation committee.

Related Bills:

A 8479 (prior-session)
S 1053 (companion in the Senate)
S 1053 (companion)

The presence of companion and related bills indicates ongoing legislative interest and potential parallel action in the Senate.

Potential Impacts

Local Government Revenue: If enacted, affected universities would begin paying property taxes on qualifying real property, potentially increasing local government revenue.

University Operations: Loss of tax-exempt status could influence university budgeting, financial planning, and possibly tuition or fundraising strategies, depending on how much of the exemption is tied to property taxes versus other exemptions.

Equity and Access Considerations: By targeting large property tax exemptions, the bill addresses concerns about long-standing tax relief for well-funded private institutions and its impact on municipal finances.

Notes for Readers

This summary reflects the information available from the bill’s introductory materials. The exact statutory language, definitions, and any transitional provisions would appear in the full bill text if it advances.