Bill > S02627

This bill establishes a comprehensive Homeowner Protection Program administered by the Department of Law to provide free housing counseling and legal services to homeowners facing threats to their property ownership. The program aims to help homeowners in various ways, including preventing foreclosures, addressing property scams, preserving home equity, and offering support especially in communities of color. The Department of Law will provide annual grants to eligible non-profit housing counseling and legal services organizations to offer a wide range of assistance, such as helping with loan modification applications, resolving property tax and utility debts, providing legal representation in foreclosure proceedings, assisting victims of deed fraud, and addressing predatory lending practices. The program will ensure that housing counseling and legal services are available in every county of New York, with organizations receiving grants required to report on their use of funds and services provided. Grants will also support training and technical assistance for these organizations, with the ultimate goal of protecting homeowners from losing their properties and ensuring they have access to professional guidance and legal support during challenging financial situations.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2627