New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01937

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  

Caption

Authorizes municipalities in the county of Rockland to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities' annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

Summary

Bill S01937 amends the real property tax law to allow municipalities in Rockland County to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs, and fines to their annual tax levy. This provision aims to enhance the collection of such fines by enabling local governments to enforce penalties through property tax levies, thereby streamlining the process for recovering unpaid amounts. The bill specifies that only adjudicated penalties that have remained unpaid for one year after final judgment can be included in the tax levy, ensuring due process for property owners.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact local tax collection practices in Rockland County by providing a legal mechanism for municipalities to recover unpaid housing code violation fines through property tax levies. This change may lead to increased revenue for municipalities and encourage property owners to address code violations promptly to avoid tax levies. It also introduces protections for owner-occupied residences and requires municipalities to assist tenants at risk of eviction due to tax foreclosures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S01937 appears to be cautiously supportive, with discussions focusing on the need for municipalities to have effective tools for enforcing housing codes. However, there are concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable tenants and homeowners, particularly regarding the risk of foreclosure and the adequacy of support programs for affected tenants.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between effective enforcement of housing codes and the protection of tenants and homeowners from potential foreclosure. Some stakeholders argue that while the bill provides necessary tools for municipalities, it may disproportionately affect low-income residents who may struggle to pay fines. Others emphasize the importance of maintaining housing standards and the need for municipalities to have the authority to collect unpaid fines effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A05463

Authorizes municipalities in the county of Orange to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities' annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

NY A03097

Authorizes municipalities in the county of Rockland to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities' annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

NY S00434

Authorizes municipalities in the county of Orange to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities' annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

NY A01130

Authorizes municipalities in the county of Orange to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities' annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

NY S01695

Authorizes municipalities in the county of Orange to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such municipalities' annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

NY S02321

Authorizes the city of Albany to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such city's annual tax levy.

NY A11470

Relates to authorizing the city of Albany to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such city's annual tax levy

NY A05033

Authorizes the City of Newburgh to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such city's annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

NY S05168

Authorizes the City of Newburgh to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such city's annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

NY S01274

Authorizes the city of Niagara Falls to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such city's annual tax levy.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.