Bill
Bill > A04669
NY A04669
Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.
summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 General Assembly
Bill Summary
AN ACT to amend the executive law, the real property actions and proceedings law and the real property law, in relation to establishing the New York state office of civil representation to provide a right to counsel in eviction proceedings
AI Summary
This bill establishes a civil right to counsel for individuals facing eviction in New York state by creating the New York State Office of Civil Representation. The legislation aims to provide free legal representation to eligible individuals in eviction proceedings, recognizing that housing instability disproportionately impacts low-income people and people of color. The office will be responsible for developing programs to guarantee legal representation through designated legal organizations and provide community outreach and education. Eligible individuals include those who are at risk of losing their housing and become subject to a predicate notice or are parties in eviction proceedings. The bill requires courts to notify respondents of their right to legal representation, mandates that lease agreements include notice of this right, and prohibits lease provisions that waive the right to counsel. The legislation also requires the office to produce annual reports detailing the program's activities, including information about case outcomes, demographics of those served, and the types of legal services provided. The goal is to prevent unnecessary evictions, protect tenants' rights, and reduce the devastating personal and societal impacts of housing instability.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (55)
Michaelle Solages (D)*,
George Alvarez (D),
Khaleel Anderson (D),
Michael Benedetto (D),
Alex Bores (D),
Harry Bronson (D),
Chris Burdick (D),
Robert Carroll (D),
Monique Chandler-Waterman (D),
Sarah Clark (D),
Catalina Cruz (D),
Brian Cunningham (D),
Maritza Davila (D),
Manny De Los Santos (D),
Jeffrey Dinowitz (D),
Chris Eachus (D),
Harvey Epstein (D),
Emily Gallagher (D),
Eddie Gibbs (D),
Deborah Glick (D),
Jessica González-Rojas (D),
Andrew Hevesi (D),
Pamela Hunter (D),
Alicia Hyndman (D),
Chantel Jackson (D),
Jonathan Jacobson (D),
Anna Kelles (D),
Ron Kim (D),
Dana Levenberg (D),
Zohran Mamdani (D),
Dave McDonough (R),
Demond Meeks (D),
Marcela Mitaynes (D),
Misha Novakhov (R),
Steve Otis (D),
Amy Paulin (D),
Steven Raga (D),
Phil Ramos (D),
Karines Reyes (D),
Linda Rosenthal (D),
Rebecca Seawright (D),
Amanda Septimo (D),
Maryjane Shimsky (D),
Sarahana Shrestha (D),
Jo Anne Simon (D),
Tony Simone (D),
Phara Souffrant Forrest (D),
Al Stirpe (D),
Yudelka Tapia (D),
Al Taylor (D),
Latrice Walker (D),
David Weprin (D),
Carrie Woerner (D),
John Zaccaro (D),
Stefani Zinerman (D),
Last Action
referred to judiciary (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4669 |
| BillText | https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A04669&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y#A04669 |
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