Bill > S05168

This bill authorizes the City of Newburgh to add unpaid housing, building, and fire code violation penalties to its annual tax levy under specific conditions. The bill establishes detailed rules for how these unpaid code violations can be collected, including requirements that the violations must have been legally adjudicated, remain unpaid for at least one year, and represent at least 5% of the property's assessed value. The legislation includes several important protections: owner-occupied residential properties are exempt, the city must notify property owners within 30 days of adding violations to the tax levy, and tenants must be provided assistance in finding alternative housing if a property is at risk of tax foreclosure. Property owners can cure violations by correcting the issues and paying associated costs, which would prevent auction and foreclosure. The bill also specifies that if a property is sold at auction, any surplus funds must be returned to the former owner, with the amount proportional to the code violation debt. Additionally, owners have the right to enter into payment plans and can pay the full balance to redeem the property before the redemption period expires. The provisions do not apply if the city sells its tax liens in a separate sale.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5168