What's happening
This bill requires the Division of Human Rights to create a statement about housing discrimination to be included with all housing assistance forms.
Why it matters
Expands awareness of housing rights. By requiring a clear, standardized statement about lawful income sources and anti-discrimination protections, the bill ensures that tenants and applicants are better informed about their rights, which may empower more people to recognize and challenge illegal practices.
Targets specific discriminatory behaviors. The mandated statement must explicitly list examples of discriminatory language and actions (like refusing vouchers, demanding extra payments, or delaying repairs), helping people identify subtle or coded forms of income-based discrimination that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Facilitates enforcement and accountability. Including contact information for relevant agencies makes it easier for victims to report violations, potentially increasing enforcement of fair housing laws and deterring landlords or brokers from engaging in prohibited conduct.
Standardizes information across agencies and programs. By applying to all state and municipal housing assistance forms, including Section 8 and other programs, the bill creates consistency in messaging and expectations, reducing confusion and gaps in knowledge among both recipients and housing providers.
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History
- Referred to governmental operations
- Referred to governmental operations
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Explain Housing Rights Upfront
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8389
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
June 15, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. EPSTEIN -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to directing the division of human rights to promulgate a statement regarding housing discrimination that shall be appended to any form of housing assistance
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 295-a to read as follows:
§ 295-a. Additional powers and duties of the division. In addition to the powers and duties otherwise provided by this article, the division shall:
Create and promulgate a statement that shall be appended to any form of housing assistance administered by any state or municipal agency including, but not limited to, the section eight housing choice voucher program, or any other form of housing assistance, payment, or credit regardless of whether or not such assistance or credit is paid or attributed directly to a landlord. Such statement shall, at a minimum, include:
1. examples of different forms of lawful source of income;
2. examples of phrases that may indicate discrimination based on lawful source of income in violation of section two hundred ninety-six of this article;
3. a statement that it is illegal for landlords, brokers and other housing agents to refuse to accept rental assistance for payment of rent or a security deposit in buildings with six or more units;
4. a statement that it is illegal for landlords, brokers and other housing agents to request additional payments for rent, a security deposit or broker's fee because an individual receives rental assistance;
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13308-02-9
A. 8389 2
5. a statement that it is illegal for landlords, brokers and other housing agents to publish any type of advertisement that indicates a refusal to accept rental assistance;
6. a statement that it is illegal for landlords to refuse or delay making repairs to an individual's unit because such individual pays rent with rental assistance;
7. a statement that an individual has the right to be free from discriminatory, harassing or threatening behavior or comments based on such individual's receipt of or application for rental assistance;
8. contact information, including phone numbers, for the appropriate agencies and departments at which to make a complaint if the voucher recipient feels that he or she is a victim of source of income discrimination; and
9. any other information deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.