New York Assembly Bill A08167

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/5/25
• Refer: 5/5/25
• Report Pass: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Authorizes up to two percent of mobile sports tax revenue, but not more than twenty-three million dollars, be used for youth team sports funding to be distributed by county youth bureaus, city of New York's department of youth and community development, and an organization which supports and invests in programs that use sports as a vehicle for youth development and social change.

Impact

The legislation seeks to modify existing provisions of the racing, pari-mutuel wagering, and breeding law, by ensuring that mobile sports wagering tax revenues are separately maintained and designated primarily for educational aid through the state lottery fund. Specifically, the bill includes provisions for youth sports funding that could significantly enhance sports programs in underserved communities, addressing both developmental needs and infrastructure improvements.

Summary

Bill A08167 aims to authorize the allocation of up to two percent of mobile sports betting tax revenue, capped at twenty million dollars, to support youth team sports initiatives. The funding will be distributed by county youth bureaus, the Department of Youth and Community Development in New York City, and certain non-profit organizations dedicated to youth development through sports. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing youth engagement in sports while addressing broader social development goals.

Contention

While supporters of A08167 may view it as a critical step towards empowering youth through sports, there are potential points of contention regarding the distribution and effectiveness of the funding. Critics may express concerns about the oversight of funds and the efficacy of leveraging sports for community enhancement. The commitment to monthly reporting on fund usage aims to alleviate such concerns by ensuring transparency and accountability in fund distribution and usage.