New York Assembly Bill A07691

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 6/16/25
• Refer: 6/16/25

Caption

Increases the period of supervision to five years for real estate brokers applying for a license.

Summary

A07691 would amend New York’s real property law to increase the experience requirement for certain real estate broker license applicants. Under current law, an applicant may qualify by showing at least two consecutive years of active participation in the general real estate brokerage business as a licensed salesperson under the supervision of a licensed broker, or by showing equivalent experience. This bill changes that supervised salesperson pathway from two years to five consecutive years. The bill does not change the educational, examination, cultural competency, or fair housing training requirements already in law. Applicants would still need to complete approved coursework, pass the required examination, and demonstrate knowledge of real estate law and practice. The measure also preserves the Department of State’s authority to approve and monitor course formats, including computer-based and distance-learning instruction, and to require classroom instruction for specified subjects or hours.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would tighten the licensing pathway for aspiring real estate brokers in New York by lengthening the supervised work experience needed before applying for a broker’s license. It would affect real estate salespersons seeking advancement, supervising brokers, and the Department of State’s licensing review process under Real Property Law section 441. The change would likely slow the transition from salesperson to broker for some applicants and could reduce the pool of eligible broker candidates in the short term.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows strong support in committee, with unanimous favorable votes in both the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and the Assembly Rules Committee. No committee transcript is available, but the lack of recorded opposition in the votes suggests the bill was viewed positively by committee members. Overall, the sentiment in the available record appears favorable and noncontroversial at the committee stage.

Contention

The main policy issue is whether increasing the supervised experience requirement from two years to five years improves consumer protection and broker competency, or instead creates a higher barrier to entry for real estate professionals. Supporters would likely view the longer apprenticeship period as a way to ensure greater experience and public trust, while potential critics may argue it delays career advancement and could limit opportunities for salespersons, especially those from underrepresented communities. No specific objections are recorded in the available materials, but the experience requirement is the bill’s central point of debate.