ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State missed its 2025 budget deadline when the clock turned midnight on Tuesday, with the State Legislature failing to agree on four policy changes.

News10NBC spoke with local lawmakers about the delays and potential compromises. Assembly members Harry Bronson (D) and Josh Jensen (R) identified the roadblocks. They say the points of contention were a smartphone ban in schools (known as Bell to Bell), a mask ban aiming to minimize crime, changes to New York’s Discovery Law, and lowering the bar to commit the mentally unwell.

RELATED: A look at policies that may impact Rochester in the state budget

Both assembly members said they didn’t expect to meet the midnight deadline.

“We in the Assembly oppose putting policy in our budget because it really creates a situation where we really can’t both focus on the money and what we’re going to spend money on,” Bronson said. He emphasized the importance of addressing unemployment insurance and paying down federal debt.

Bronson said they are close to a compromise on the smartphone ban. “Certainly Bell to Bell, we’re very close. And other things we’re close on,” he said.

Jensen criticized Gov. Hochul for including non-budgetary items in the budget. “Ironically, the budget’s being held up by four non-budgetary items,” said Jensen.

If the budget deadline is missed, Bronson said an extender will be issued by the Governor. “We in the legislature really don’t control extenders,” he said.

Jensen added, “Once we miss the deadline, the governor really takes all the power. And so through the budget extender, she has the ability to put some of those policies that are holding the budget up in the budget extender and force a vote. And those things that you have to either accept it or shut down the government.”

Both assembly members plan to vote for a budget extension, which allows more negotiation time and ensures state employees continue to get paid.

State Sen. Cooney also released a statement saying, “It may not be right on time, but there will be a lot we get right in this budget for Rochester and Monroe County. From affordable housing and supporting our students, to providing for working families and investing in the future of transportation.”

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