BILL NUMBER: S124
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the judiciary law, in relation to establishing a new
housing court part for certain homes
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the judiciary law, in relation to establishing a new
housing court part for certain homes
 
PURPOSE:
This bill intends to ensure housing state and local law disputes across
New York can achieve timely resolve in a separate court part focused on
these issues
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill creates judiciary law section 135-a: a court for
actions and proceedings involving the enforcement of state and local
laws for the establishment and maintenance of housing standards to
include: civil penalties, liens, injunctions, restraining orders,
contracts, clarifying responsibilities of both parties, and payment
issues. The bill outlines processes for appointment of judicial offi-
cers, requirements for judicial officers, and general competency evalu-
ations for such roles. Housing courts must establish an adequate number
of pro se clerks of the to assist persons without counsel. Assistance
would include information on general procedure, how to file, and advise-
ment of needed administrative relief.
Section 2 provides for an effective date 180 days after the bill becomes
law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York is currently in a housing crisis. From high rents to high costs
of living, housing disputes are high in number with few to little resol-
utions in sight for plaintiffs and defendants alike. The current New
York City court system is faced with a high case load and few resources-
making housing court cases take not months but years.
In addition, attorneys focused on housing cases are often overworked and
underpaid. This bill would establish a statewide housing court part to
provide needed resources to resolve the high number of housing disputes
across New York and expand the resources available to these specific
cases.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
One hundred eightieth day after it shall have become law.