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New York lawmakers have started the process of passing a new $254 billion state budget, just days after Governor Kathy Hochul announced an agreement. The budget, which is $2 billion more than the governor's initial proposal, includes a ban on cell phone use in schools and changes to the state's discovery laws. The original deadline for the budget was April 1, but negotiations extended into May.
Governor Hochul's budget introduces a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones in K-12 schools, aimed at creating distraction-free learning environments. The policy will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year and allocates $13.5 million for school storage solutions. The budget also includes a one-time inflation refund check for low- and middle-income families, a $1 billion middle-class tax cut, and $340 million for universal school meals.
Changes to discovery laws are intended to prevent case dismissals due to minor omissions, ensuring justice for victims while protecting defendants' rights. The budget also lowers the standard for involuntary commitment of mentally ill individuals and allocates funds for gun violence prevention, police technology upgrades, and security measures at sensitive locations.
Despite the progress, some spending decisions, including school aid and Medicaid funding, remain unresolved. Lawmakers plan to meet this week to finalize these fiscal matters.