NY State Budget: Cellphone Ban, Rebates, and New Crime | JQJO

New York State finalized a $254 billion budget, including a school-day cellphone ban with exceptions for caregivers, $400-$200 rebate checks for middle-class families, and MTA funding increases via payroll taxes. A new crime for masking during felonies was added, along with changes to evidence-sharing in criminal cases and involuntary commitment standards. The budget, delayed a month, faced criticism for increased spending despite potential federal funding cuts.