Establishes the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate in the state office for the aging

2 Co-sponsors

• Jeffrey Dinowitz
• Alec Brook-Krasny

BILL NUMBER:A8966A

Title of bill

An act to amend the elder law, in relation to establish- ing the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate in the state office for the aging

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish a bureau within the state office for the aging that will take in complaints from senior tenants and refer those complaints to the proper authority

Summary of specific provisions

Creates a new section 224 of the elder law to establish the Bureau of the Senior Tenant Advocate. The advocate would be appointed by the governor. The duties of the advocate would be as follows:

* refer complaints from senior tenants to the proper authority

* provide information regarding programs and agencies that can assist senior tenants in resolving their complaints

* analyze and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or policies with respect to the adequacy of housing matters for senior tenants within the state; and

* carry out such other activities as the senior tenants' advocate deter- mines to be appropriate pursuant to pertinent state laws and regu- lations.

In addition, the bill would prohibit discrimination against a senior tenant because they made a complaint to the senior tenant advocate.

Justification

This legislation creates a Bureau whose sole purpose will be to protect the rights of senior citizen tenants. The Bureau will also provide a place where these individuals may submit any housing complaints and obtain immediate action. The Bureau of the Senior Tenant Advocate will also ensure that senior citizen tenants are afforded all the necessary information required to navigate through the housing market.

Senior citizens are at a higher risk to become victims of criminal or dishonorable conduct by various housing entities. This legislation will provide a venue of protection for these individuals. In helping seniors to remain in rental housing, the bill also will allow seniors to remain active in their communities.

Prior legislative history

S.3231 (2003-04): referred to Senate Aging Committee A.7890 (2005-06): referred to Assembly Aging committee A3077 (2007): referred to Assembly Ways & Means Committee A3077 (2008): referred to Assembly Codes Committee A5942 (2009): enacting clause stricken A8966 (2009): referred to Assembly Aging Committee

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

180th day after enactment