Bill > S06958

This bill enacts the New York Fair Housing Act, which requires municipalities to take proactive steps to address affordable housing shortages in the state. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for municipalities to create and maintain affordable housing, drawing inspiration from New Jersey's Fair Housing Act. Key provisions include requiring municipalities to develop housing elements and fair share plans that detail how they will provide affordable housing for low and moderate-income households. The bill creates an Affordable Housing Committee to determine municipal housing obligations, establishes a dispute resolution program, and sets specific requirements for affordable housing development, such as ensuring a minimum percentage of units are available to very low-income and family households. Municipalities must post affordable housing units on a state-managed online portal, implement affirmative marketing plans, and can be subject to fines for non-compliance. The bill also establishes a New York Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support these efforts, with funding mechanisms including development fees and state grants. The overall goal is to address the state's estimated 656,000 housing unit shortage, combat housing segregation, and provide more housing opportunities for low and moderate-income residents.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6958