Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to entitle New York City to participate in New York State Raise the Age program funding

This resolution urges the New York State Legislature and Governor to pass legislation allowing New York City to participate in New York State Raise the Age (RTA) program funding. The RTA law, enacted in 2017, treats 16- and 17-year-olds charged with misdemeanors as Juvenile Delinquents, diverting them to Family Court and rehabilitative measures instead of adult prosecution. While the City has implemented RTA, incurring significant costs for probation, corrections, mental health, and social services, it does not receive State reimbursements, unlike other counties that are eligible if they adhere to a tax levy limit or are granted a hardship waiver. The resolution highlights that the City's exclusion from funding is inequitable, especially since it bears a substantial portion of the statewide youth population affected by RTA. The New York State Assembly has previously proposed modifications to RTA statutes to remove restrictive conditions for county eligibility, and this resolution calls for similar eligibility for the City without additional conditions.

If passed, this resolution could lead to the State providing funding to New York City for its implementation of the Raise the Age law. This could alleviate the financial burden on the City, potentially freeing up local funds for other services or preventing future tax increases that might otherwise be needed to cover these RTA costs.

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