Extends the revocation period for real estate brokers and real estate salespersons from one year to three years; includes the license revocation and suspension history of real estate brokers or real estate salespersons on the data.ny.gov website.
Summary
This bill amends New York’s Real Property Law to lengthen the waiting period before a real estate broker or real estate salesperson whose license has been revoked may be relicensed. Under current law, a revoked broker or salesperson is barred from relicensure for one year; the bill would extend that period to three years. The measure applies to both brokers and salespersons and would make the longer disqualification period part of the state’s licensing discipline framework.
The bill also requires the Department of State to add suspension and revocation information for brokers and salespersons to the public listing maintained on the state’s Open Data website, data.ny.gov. In effect, the bill would increase public access to disciplinary history for licensed real estate professionals by linking that history to the online roster of active licensees.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend section 441-c of the Real Property Law by increasing the relicensing ban after revocation from one year to three years and by creating a new public disclosure requirement for suspension and revocation records. It would affect real estate brokers and salespersons subject to discipline, the Department of State’s licensing and enforcement functions, and members of the public who use the state’s open data portal to review licensee histories. The bill would take effect on January 1 following enactment.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a consumer-protection and transparency bill, with no recorded committee debate or vote history provided. The overall sentiment is therefore best characterized as neutral-to-supportive in purpose, emphasizing stronger discipline for revoked licensees and greater public access to professional disciplinary records.
Contention
The main policy issue raised by the bill is whether a three-year relicensing bar is an appropriate penalty compared with the current one-year period. Supporters would likely view the longer ban as a way to deter misconduct and better protect consumers in real estate transactions, while potential opponents could argue that it is overly punitive or may limit rehabilitation and return to practice. A second point of contention is the public posting of suspension and revocation history on data.ny.gov, which advances transparency but may raise concerns about reputational harm, privacy, or the completeness and context of disciplinary records.
Relating to authorizing the Real Estate Commission to promulgate a legislative rule relating to licensing real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons, and the conduct of brokerage business.
Relating to authorizing the Real Estate Commission to promulgate a legislative rule relating to licensing real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons and the conduct of brokerage business
A bill for an act relating to the license application form for real estate brokers and salespersons, and brokerage agreement requirements. (Formerly SF 15.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.