New York Plan Would Let Residents Sue Federal Officers Over Alleged Constitutional Violations
Albany, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul rolled out a slate of 2026 State of the State proposals aimed at shielding New Yorkers, including families with school-aged children, from what her office called escalating federal actions affecting immigration enforcement, health coverage and food assistance.
A centerpiece would create a state-level right to sue federal officers for alleged violations of U.S. constitutional rights, applying standards similar to those that already govern state and local officers. Hochul also wants to protect “sensitive locations” — including schools, child care settings, hospitals and houses of worship, from civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.
The package includes an early start for the 2030 Census, after New York narrowly missed keeping a U.S. House seat in 2020. The governor proposes a state census commission and expanded outreach to hard-to-count groups, including children under 5 and renters, a count tied to federal dollars for schools and family programs such as Medicaid, SNAP and WIC.
For household budgets, Hochul proposed a $30 million tariff-relief program for New York specialty crops, livestock and dairy, expanded student borrower outreach through the state’s Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program, and new investments in emergency food providers. The plan also calls for chip-based EBT cards to curb benefit theft through skimming.
Parents can watch for bill introductions and agency guidance in the coming weeks as the Legislature takes up the agenda; families can also check their school district’s updates and state agency notices for changes affecting campuses, benefits and coverage.
This article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-unveils-proposals-protect-new-yorkers-reckless-attacks-federal-government
