New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07960

Introduced
5/15/25  

Caption

Prohibits public entities from contracting with airlines that transport individuals who have been detained by U.S. immigration and customs enforcement without being afforded due process rights; prohibits certain sales and use tax exemptions on fuel sold to an airline that transports individuals who have been detained by U.S. immigration and customs enforcement without being afforded due process rights.

Impact

The SAFE AIR Act represents a significant move by the New York state government to impose stricter accountability measures on airlines involved in the deportation process. By outlining conditions under which state resources can be allocated, the bill reinforces the state's authority over airport operations and seeks to ensure that state funding is not used to facilitate actions that undermine civil liberties. The implications for airline operations could be substantial, as they may need to adjust their practices to align with the due process requirements outlined in the legislation.

Summary

Bill S07960, known as the 'SAFE AIR Act', seeks to amend New York's public authorities law and tax law. The primary objective of this legislation is to prohibit public entities from entering into contracts with commercial airlines that transport individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without ensuring due process rights. Under this act, airlines must provide a valid judicial warrant for such detentions. If they fail to comply with these standards, they are barred from receiving certain sales and use tax exemptions on fuel.

Contention

The bill has garnered both support and criticism within the legislative and public arenas. Proponents argue that it serves to protect the civil rights of individuals facing deportation and holds airlines accountable for their role in the process. However, opponents express concern that the bill may overstep by imposing state restrictions on federally regulated immigration matters and could lead to logistical challenges for airlines, potentially affecting air travel and commerce.

Companion Bills

NY A08188

Same As Prohibits public entities from contracting with airlines that transport individuals who have been detained by U.S. immigration and customs enforcement without being afforded due process rights; prohibits certain sales and use tax exemptions on fuel sold to an airline that transports individuals who have been detained by U.S. immigration and customs enforcement without being afforded due process rights.

Previously Filed As

NY S00446

Enables high school students to use public transportation without charge in order to ride to and from school.

NY A01054

Enables high school students to use public transportation without charge in order to ride to and from school.

NY S05444

Permits employees of public utility corporations or public utility companies access to certain restroom facilities without being a paying customer.

NY A06978

Permits employees of public utility corporations or public utility companies access to certain restroom facilities without being a paying customer.

NY A00112

Provides that restaurants may provide single-use plastic straws to customers when explicitly requested by the customer; prohibits single-use plastic stirrers.

NY S02084

Prohibits forensic child custody evaluators who have been terminated for cause from appearing as an expert witness in family court custody and visitation proceedings.

NY S03186

Requires that restaurants only provide single-use plastic straws to customers when explicitly requested by the customer; prohibits single-use plastic stirrers.

NY S00306

Prohibits governmental entities from entering into agreements to house individuals in immigration detention facilities; requires governmental entities to terminate existing contracts for the detention of individuals in immigration detention facilities.

NY A04354

Prohibits governmental entities from entering into agreements to house individuals in immigration detention facilities; requires governmental entities to terminate existing contracts for the detention of individuals in immigration detention facilities.

NY A03424

Provides that restaurants and third-party food delivery service may provide single-use food service items to customers when explicitly requested by the customer; prohibits certain plastic single-use items.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.