New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01708

Introduced
1/13/25  

Caption

Establishes the bank of Rochester, including provisions related to definitions; sponsors and corporate structure; powers and restrictions; governance; charter requirements; financial and operations frameworks; transparency and financial reporting; insurance; deposits; policy mandates; ethics and financial disclosure; inconsistency with other laws; and owners not to be considered bank holding companies.

Impact

The Bank of Rochester will be structured as a not-for-profit corporation owned solely by the city of Rochester. It will be empowered to accept public deposits, issue loans, and engage in various banking activities aimed specifically at community development. The proposed bank must comply with the community reinvestment act and will undergo annual independent audits to ensure accountability and transparency. Importantly, the bank will also be exempt from state and municipal taxes, a significant benefit that could enhance its viability and ability to serve local needs effectively.

Summary

S01708, known as the Bank of Rochester Act, seeks to establish a public bank in the city of Rochester, New York. This legislation allows the city to create and control the bank, aiming to utilize public funds for enhancing local economies, developing infrastructure, and meeting housing needs within the community. The bill emphasizes that the bank will not compete with existing local financial institutions but will instead partner with credit unions and community banks to serve the community's economic interests.

Contention

While proponents argue that the establishment of a public bank will facilitate cost savings and economic stability, detractors may raise concerns about the implications of public banking practices on local finance and competition with private entities. Furthermore, there are potential legal interpretations that need clear definitions, especially regarding the interplay of state finance law and new banking regulations stipulated in the bill. Given the sensitive nature of public funds management, stringent oversight mechanisms will be critical to assure public confidence in the new banking model.

Companion Bills

NY A06409

Same As Establishes the bank of Rochester, including provisions related to definitions; sponsors and corporate structure; powers and restrictions; governance; charter requirements; financial and operations frameworks; transparency and financial reporting; insurance; deposits; policy mandates; ethics and financial disclosure; inconsistency with other laws; and owners not to be considered bank holding companies.

Previously Filed As

NY A10134

Establishes the bank of Rochester, including provisions related to definitions; sponsors and corporate structure; powers and restrictions; governance; charter requirements; financial and operations frameworks; transparency and financial reporting; insurance; deposits; policy mandates; ethics and financial disclosure; inconsistency with other laws; and owners not to be considered bank holding companies.

NY S09326

Establishes the bank of Rochester, including provisions related to definitions; sponsors and corporate structure; powers and restrictions; governance; charter requirements; financial and operations frameworks; transparency and financial reporting; insurance; deposits; policy mandates; ethics and financial disclosure; inconsistency with other laws; and owners not to be considered bank holding companies.

NY S07420

Allows the department of financial services to have additional oversight of banks and insurance companies that are not currently licensed in this state; provides penalties for violations.

NY A07770

Allows the department of financial services to have additional oversight of banks and insurance companies that are not currently licensed in this state; provides penalties for violations.

NY S04357

Mandates transparency of the expenses of title insurance corporations, including marketing expenses, lobbying expenses, salaries and other forms of compensation and authorizes the department of financial services to lower title insurance rates if deemed excessive.

NY S00205

Prohibits state chartered banking institutions from investing in and providing financing for private prisons.

NY A06601

Prohibits state chartered banking institutions from investing in and providing financing for private prisons.

NY A05131

Relates to filing requirements for the annual statement of financial disclosure.

NY A02873

Relates to reporting of digital assets on the annual statement of financial disclosure filed with the legislative ethics commission or the joint commission on public ethics.

NY S05621

Relates to reporting of digital assets on the annual statement of financial disclosure filed with the legislative ethics commission or the joint commission on public ethics.

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