Overview

• The $254 billion budget includes a statewide ban on student cellphone use during school hours to reduce distractions and improve mental health.
• A new Class B misdemeanor is introduced for individuals wearing masks to conceal their identity while committing or fleeing serious crimes.
• The budget allocates $6 billion to the MTA capital plan, funded equally by the state, New York City, and payroll tax increases on large employers.
• Middle-class rebate checks of $400 for families and $200 for individuals are included, although scaled back from earlier proposals.
• Changes to discovery laws and mental health commitment standards aim to address public safety and streamline legal processes.