BILL NUMBER: S256
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general municipal law and the public authorities
law, in relation to making housing a policy of the state of New York
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to provide clarity on the authority
of industrial development agencies to engage in the development of hous-
ing projects, ensuring that these agencies can effectively contribute to
addressing the current housing shortage and promoting sustainable commu-
nity development.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. amends section 852 of the general municipal law to include
housing stock in support of the state's housing goals.
Section 2. amends subdivision 4 of section 854 of the general municipal
law to include housing and housing facilities.
Section 3. amends the opening paragraph of section 858 of the general
municipal law to include housing and housing facilities.
Section 4. amends paragraph (b) of subdivision S of section 859-a of the
general municipal law to include consideration of contributing to the
state's housing goals such as affordable, workforce, and senior housing.
Section 5. amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 4 of section 874 of the
general municipal law to include housing.
Section 6. amends subdivision 5 of section 1951 of the public authori-
ties law to include housing.
Section 7. amends the opening paragraph of section 1953 of the public
authorities law to include housing.
Section 8. amends subdivision 1 of section 1963-a of the public authori-
ties law to include housing. Section 9. amends subdivision 5 of section
2302 of the public authorities law to include housing.
Section 10. amends the opening paragraph of section 2306 of the public
authorities law to include housing.
Section 11, amends subdivision 1 of section 2315 of the public authori-
ties law to include housing. Section 12. is the enacting clause
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Ensuring access to affordable housing is critical for promoting economic
development and, fostering healthy, sustainable communities in New York
State. The lack of available housing in New York State has led to hous-
ing projects becoming a central focus of policy and development efforts.
While many industrial agencies (IDAs) already engage in housing develop-
ment, some have been hesitant to do so due to ambiguity in the current
law. The lack of clarity in various sections of the General Municipal
Law and the Public Authorities Law governing IDAs has created a barrier
to expanding housing options in the state. By clarifying IDAs' authori-
zation to engage in housing projects, this legislation will promote
increased investment in housing development, which is essential to
addressing the current housing crisis and ensuring the long-term growth
and vitality of our communities.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.