Legislative Update – Mar/Apr 2022
Legislature moves to pass technical changes to 2021 NYS fair housing laws
State lawmakers are beginning the process of passing technical changes or amendments to a series of new fair housing laws signed by Governor Hochul in December of last year. The governor and Legislature came to an agreement on changes to several fair housing laws to amend certain provisions and effective dates, which NYSAR supports. Click here for a description of the proposed amendments and new effective dates where applicable.
Additionally, three new fair housing laws are now in effect:
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- An additional $30 surcharge to the license and renewal fee for real estate brokers and an additional $10 surcharge to the license and renewal fee for real estate salespersons to be used for statewide fair housing testing efforts.
- An increase in the maximum fine for real estate license violations from $1,000 to $2,000, with new funds dedicated to a new anti-discrimination in housing fund.
- Requirement of two years experience as an associate broker before being designated as an office manager; and establishes a standard for the supervision of real estate agents and associate brokers by office managers that is equivalent to that of a licensed broker.
NYSAR signs onto a letter calling on the state to provide additional rental assistance funding
NYSAR recently signed a joint letter calling on Governor Hochul and leaders in the Legislature to allocate $2 billion in this year’s state budget toward rental assistance for tenants and landlords. The state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program is currently out of funding, however, tenants are still struggling to pay their rent. Providing additional ERAP funds is necessary to help ensure landlords have the resources they need to provide much-needed housing for their tenants. You can read the full letter here.
NYSAR Hosts Mid-Winter Business Meetings at Desmond Hotel in Albany
NYSAR hosted its first in-person Mid-Winter Business meeting in over a year, February 7-10 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany. Guest speaker, Gavin Donohue, President and CEO of the Independent Power Producers of NY (IPPNY) provided an informative update on the state’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and what that could mean for New York homeowners and taxpayers. Gavin is an appointed member of the state’s Climate Action Council, which is charged with making clean energy recommendations to the Legislature.
NYSAR Director of Government Affairs Mike Kelly and NAR Political Representative Zack Rubin-McCarry provided a state and federal update on the legislative and political landscapes as we head into an election year.
Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® member Jennifer Vucetic was inaugurated as NYSAR’s President for 2022.
Save the Date-NYSAR Lobby Day to be held on May 10th.
NYSAR will once again host its annual Lobby Day on May 10th. More details will be made public as we get closer to the date. If you have questions about Lobby Day or wish to participate please contact Conor Gillis at cgillis@nysar.com
Governor Hochul signs redistricting legislation; GOP files lawsuit
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of legislative redistricting bills in early February after being passed by the Legislature that define new congressional and state Senate and Assembly district maps. Republicans filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court challenging the redistricting maps in Steuben County.
