Priorities

On Saturday, June 8, the New York State Legislature concluded its 2024 legislative session. In the days leading up, hundreds of bills moved rapidly through the legislative process as state lawmakers rushed to complete its business before the June 6 scheduled end-date. During that time, NYSAR identified harmful proposals gaining political momentum and quickly engaged lawmakers highlighting our concerns.

NYSAR’s successful advocacy this year demonstrates the value of the REALTOR® perspective on issues impacting real estate across New York. The following bills failed to advance following NYSAR’s engagement in opposition:

• Legislation that would have eliminated dual agency in the state (S.9686 and A.9823);

• NY HEAT Act, which would have expanded the state’s authority to discontinue residential and commercial natural gas services (S.2016-B/A.4592-B);

• Legislation that would have prohibited landlords from collecting a rental broker fee from tenants (S.2783/A.4781)

• Legislation that would have required all sellers of residential real property to provide a lead paint hazard test to a buyer or tenant prior to a transaction or lease (S.2353-A/A.4820-B);

• Legislation that would have required all real estate licensees to request, collect and retain personal demographic data on clients and submit such information to DOS annually (S.2352/A.10386);

• Legislation that would have authorized any city or town in the state to create a new real estate transfer tax in order to provide revenue for a community housing fund (S.7589-A/A.7496-A and S.4098-A/A.6257-A);

Our defense against many harmful bills this year, however, caps off a legislative session that saw record state investment in housing initiatives and funding after years of state inaction on a comprehensive housing plan. NYSAR remains supportive of these investments to incentivize and develop much needed housing across the state and will continue to work with state lawmakers in the best interest of our REALTOR® members. For more updates on NYSAR Government Affairs visit https://www.nysar.com/advocacy/.