New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05168

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
2/19/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  
Refer
6/11/25  

Caption

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.

Summary

Bill S05168 amends the real property tax law to authorize the City of Newburgh to collect unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs, and fines by adding them to the city's annual tax levy. The bill stipulates that these penalties must be adjudicated and recorded, remain unpaid for at least one year after final judgment, and meet a minimum threshold of five percent of the property's assessed value to qualify for inclusion in the tax levy. The city is required to notify property owners of any such placements and must develop a program to assist tenants at risk of tax foreclosure due to these unpaid violations.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by allowing municipalities, specifically Newburgh, to enhance their revenue collection mechanisms related to housing code violations. It creates a formal process for integrating unpaid penalties into the tax levy, which could lead to increased compliance among property owners. The bill also establishes protections for owner-occupied residences and outlines procedures for tenants and property owners regarding payment plans and the curing of violations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S05168 appears to be largely positive, as evidenced by the voting history, which shows overwhelming support in both the Senate Rules Committee and the final Senate Floor Vote. The bill received 20 votes in favor with only 1 against in the committee, and 58 votes in favor with 1 against in the final passage, indicating strong bipartisan support.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the implications for landlords and property owners, particularly regarding the potential financial burden of unpaid fines being added to their tax bills. There may also be concerns from tenant advocacy groups about the adequacy of the assistance programs for tenants facing eviction due to tax foreclosure. However, the bill includes provisions aimed at protecting owner-occupied homes and assisting tenants, which may mitigate some of these concerns.

Companion Bills

NY A05033

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 S01937

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 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.