🔴 LIVE: Committee on Finance

The New York City Council Committee on Finance held a hearing on August 12, 2026, focused primarily on the proposed Environmental Control Board (ECB) Amnesty and Compliance Program. The program aims to resolve outstanding ECB judgments by allowing eligible violators to pay reduced penalties without accrued interest, encouraging compliance and increasing fine collections. The Department of Finance testified that approximately $573 million in ECB debt is potentially collectible, with an additional $744 million deemed uncollectible. The amnesty program, budgeted to generate $25 million in fiscal year 2027, would be open for 90 days with a possible 90-day extension. Discussions included the program's eligibility criteria, enforcement challenges, outreach plans, and coordination with other city agencies. Committee members raised concerns about fairness, repeat offenders, and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms. The Department of Finance also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve collections through increased staffing, partnerships with other agencies, and targeted outreach initiatives. No votes or motions were recorded during the hearing.