Prohibits discrimination in housing based upon domestic violence status and establishing task force to study impact of source of income on access to housing

10 Co-sponsors

• Mark Grisanti
• David Carlucci
• Tony Avella
• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Terry Gipson
• Jeffrey D. Klein
• Jack M. Martins
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Diane J. Savino
• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S5876 REVISED 6/26/13

Title of bill

An act to amend the real property law and the real property actions and proceedings law, in relation to prohibiting discrimination in housing based upon domestic violence status and establishing a task force to study the impact of source of income on access to housing

Purpose:

This bill would enact part of the New York Women's Agenda, which would break down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequality based on gender. New York State has a proud history and tradition of leading the nation in progressive ideals and reforms This is especially so with respect to women's rights in 1843, the women's suffrage movement was born at the first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. From that moment in time and continuing through today, the state has been the home of female leaders and visionaries, from Elizabeth Cady Stanton who initiated the first organized women's rights and women's suffrage movements, to Audre Lorde, a leading African-American poet and essayist who gave voice to women's issues, and Gloria Steinem, the journalist, author and activist. These New Yorkers have served as role models for not only their generation but for every generation to come.

Over the years, New York has fallen behind in its role as a progressive leader on women's rights. Today, statistics clearly show that women in New York State are not treated equally to men. Study after study shows gender inequality in our communities where women face discrimination in housing because of their domestic violence victim status.

The New York Women's Agenda will break down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequality based on gender. New York has served as a model for equality and fairness on several issues including women's rights. The New York Women's Agenda will return the State to its rightful place as a leader on women's equality.

Summary of Bills:

5) Housing Discrimination

This bill would amend the Real Property Law to add a new Section 227-d, which would prohibit discrimination against domestic violence victim status in housing. A violation of this prohibition would be a misdemeanor. This bill would also allow for a civil action for a viola- tion of the prohibition. It would also add a new Section 744 to the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law to, in a proceeding to recover possession of a residential unit, provide a defense that such proceeding is unlawfully based on a person's domestic violence victim status. An exemption would exist under both of these sections for a building that is owner occupied with two or fewer units. This bill would also create a task force to study the impact of source of income on access to housing.

Existing Law:

This bill would added protections that are available under the Real Property Law.

Statement in Support:

* Stopping Housing Discrimination for Victims of Domestic Violence

Discrimination against victims of domestic violence is almost always discrimination against women. Of all victims of domestic violence. 85% are women; an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of assault by an intimate partner each year, and about 1 in 4 women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. This bill would amend the Real Property Law to protect victims of domestic violence from discrimination when they attempt to rent or lease housing and provide victims of domestic violence a defense in eviction proceedings.

Budget Implications:

This bill has no budget implications for the State.

Effective Date:

This bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.