Relates to the provision of legal representation to certain persons in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings

10 Co-sponsors

• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Jesse Hamilton
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Brad Hoylman-Sigal
• Liz Krueger
• Kevin S. Parker
• José Peralta
• Bill Perkins
• James Sanders Jr.
• José M. Serrano

BILL NUMBER:S2061B

Title of bill

An act to amend the county law, in relation to the provision of legal representation to certain persons in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill establishes the provision of legal representation to certain persons in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 outlines: (a) Plan for representation; (b) Compensation and reimbursement for representation; (c) Services other than counsel; (d) Duration of assignment; (e) Expenses; (f) Annual reports.

Section 2 outlines responsibilities of public defender in providing representation and administering an appeal when appropriate.

Section 3 ensures the validity of each provision in the case that any provision of this local law is found to be invalid.

Section 4 provides for an effective date

Justification

The benefit of adequate representation in housing court goes beyond stabilizing and improving the lives of working and middle class families - it saves all of us money in the long run. A recent article in the New York Times reported on a number of efforts underway across the country to track the economic impact of equal representation. In one example, a Boston Bar Association pilot program found that for every one dollar spent on legal services, two to three dollars were saved by reductions in municipal expenses associated with eviction, including the cost of shelter, health care, and increases in public benefits.

The housing crisis in New York City is a human rights crisis. Every person has a fundamental right to decent, affordable housing. The State has an obligation to guarantee that all people, regardless of income, can exercise that right. New Yorkers' fundamental right to live in security, peace, and dignity must not be delayed. New York's homeless population is growing at a rate higher than the nation as a whole, while our supply of affordable housing continues to dwindle. The need has never been greater - but neither has the opportunity we have to close the justice gap and save taxpayer dollars.

Prior legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

TBD

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become law.