New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00331

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  
Report Pass
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Report Pass
5/20/25  
Refer
5/20/25  

Caption

Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community housing funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

Summary

Bill A00331 seeks to empower cities and towns in New York, excluding those with a population of one million or more, to establish community housing funds. These funds would be financed through a newly authorized real estate transfer tax, which local governments can impose on property transactions. The bill outlines the definitions of community housing, eligible individuals, and the purposes for which the funds can be utilized, including providing financial assistance to first-time homebuyers and producing community housing units. The legislation aims to address housing affordability and availability in local communities by facilitating the development and maintenance of affordable housing options.

Impact

The bill will amend the general municipal law and tax law to allow local governments to create community housing funds and impose a real estate transfer tax. This will enable municipalities to generate revenue specifically for housing initiatives, thereby potentially increasing the availability of affordable housing. The bill also establishes a framework for managing these funds, including the creation of an advisory board to oversee community housing plans, which could lead to more coordinated and effective housing policies at the local level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00331 appears to be generally favorable, as evidenced by the votes in committee, where it received support from a majority of members in both the Local Governments and Codes Committees. However, there is some opposition, as indicated by the votes against the bill, reflecting concerns about the implications of imposing new taxes and the potential administrative burdens on local governments.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some legislators regarding the imposition of a new real estate transfer tax, which opponents argue could burden property buyers and sellers. Additionally, there are discussions about the effectiveness of local governments in managing these funds and ensuring that the intended benefits of the community housing initiatives are realized. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to address the growing housing crisis, while opponents caution against potential unintended consequences.

Companion Bills

NY S00572

Same As Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community housing funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

NY S09674

Same As Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community housing funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY S09674

Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community housing funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

NY S00572

Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community housing funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

NY S04098

Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community preservation funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

NY A03533

Authorizes cities and towns, except a city with a population of one million or more, to establish community preservation funds; authorizes such cities and towns to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited in such funds; makes related provisions.

NY A02022

Authorizes the town of Chester to establish community preservation funds; establishes a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in said community preservation fund.

NY S00277

Authorizes the town of Chester to establish community preservation funds; establishes a real estate transfer tax with revenues therefrom to be deposited in said community preservation fund.

NY H3004

Authorizing cities and towns to provide a residential exemption to senior citizens

NY H811

Authorizing cities and towns to provide for citizen-funded election campaigns

NY A06918

Authorizes the town of Copake to establish community preservation funds and to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited into the community preservation fund; provides for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S06664

Authorizes the town of Copake to establish community preservation funds and to impose a real estate transfer tax with revenues to be deposited into the community preservation fund; provides for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.