Bill > A09195

This bill amends the New York Civil Rights Law to prevent property owners, such as homeowners associations, landlords, or boards, from prohibiting residents from displaying religious items on their entry doors or doorframes. The bill allows residents to display religious items with some reasonable restrictions: the items cannot threaten public health or safety, obstruct door operation, violate laws, contain obscene content, or exceed a size of 36 by 12 square inches (or the door's size). If an association needs to perform maintenance on a door, a resident may be temporarily required to remove a religious item, but must be individually notified and can replace the item after work is completed. The bill defines key terms like "religious item" as something displayed due to a sincerely held religious belief, and "association" as a nonprofit entity managing a common interest development. The legislation aims to protect residents' rights to express their religious beliefs through door decorations while maintaining basic community standards and safety considerations. The law will go into effect 30 days after it is signed.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9195