Relates to outreach, status and time limits relating to the tax abatement program

1 Co-sponsor

• Tony Avella

BILL NUMBER:S7057B

Title of bill

An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to outreach, status and time limits relating to the tax abatement program for rent-controlled and rent-regulated property occupied by senior citizens or persons with disabilities

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would require municipalities that have the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE) and disabled rent increase exemption (DRIE) program to conduct outreach in the community to ensure individuals who may be eligible are aware that they can apply. This bill would also require implementation of a mechanism for applicants and participants to determine the status of their exemptions and would set time limits with- in which the municipal agency operating the program must respond to applicants and participants when forms are submitted.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. This section has three main parts that would:

*Require a municipality operating the SCRIE/DRIE program to implement a program of outreach initiatives in the community to encourage individ- uals who may be eligible to apply for the program;

*Require the development of a mechanism applicants and participants could use to determine the status of their exemptions and any forms they have filed; and

*Set specific time limits within which the municipal agency operating the SCRIE/DRIE program would be required to act. The agency would be required to send an acknowledgement of the receipt of a form within ten days of receiving the form. The agency then would have thirty days to act on the form by either approving or rejecting the form or requesting further information. If a request for further information were issued, the agency would have fifteen days to act on the form once the addi- tional information was received.

Section 2. Effective Date

Justification

SCRIE is an extremely important benefit for seniors and persons with disabilities living on fixed incomes when costs are rising for every- thing from housing to medications to food. Unfortunately, many seniors and persons with disabilities who could be receiving a break on their rent through this program do not even know it exists. It is very impor- tant that we get the word out so that those who need the benefit can apply.

Also, time and again we hear that applicants don't know the status of their applications as they wait for months or send in multiple applica- tions in the hopes of hearing back. Participants also have problems with their renewals being delayed and their rent in danger of skyrocketing. A simple system to check the status of an abatement or form filed is important to make sure things are not lost and to avoid confusion.

One of the most egregious situations faced by applicants and partic- ipants is waiting months to hear anything back regarding their paper- work. Many individuals face rent increases because applications are not processed in a timely fashion. Time restrictions are necessary to make sure applicants and participants aren't waiting six months or more just to find out the status of their paperwork.

Prior legislative history

S.6592/2012, A.9205/2012

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.