Weekly Report
Weekly Report for October 11, 2024
Recap: NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings – Legislative Groups and Committee work
During NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings, held October 6-9, REALTOR® Legislative Working Groups and Committees met to discuss and help direct NYSAR’s legislative agenda for the coming year. During those meetings, REALTORS® were engaged on a multitude of topics dealing with new housing policies, agency law, education, and legislative and political issues, just to name a few. Among the issues taken up at this year’s meetings included:
- Directing NYSAR staff to draft state legislation prohibiting the use of residential real property listing agreements exceeding 24 months in New York State;
- Directing NYSAR staff to draft state legislation to require the use of written buyer representation agreements for all real estate licensees in New York State.
NYSAR Legislative Working Groups and Committees also discussed:
- Support for draft legislation requiring all real estate licensees to complete one hour of sexual harassment training annually as set forth in NYS Labor Law Section 201-g(2)(a&b);
- And support for a statewide public campaign opposing a proposed regulatory mandate that would require the installation of residential fire sprinklers in all new 1-2 family homes and townhouses.
REALTORS® may also view NYSAR’s 2024 Fall Business Meetings reports from all NYSAR Committees here. You can also watch recorded virtual Working Group meetings from September 16-20 here.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Hochul and Lawmakers You Oppose Mandating Fire Sprinklers
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council is proposing a new unfunded mandate requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new 1-2 family homes and townhomes. Among the issues of concern include additional costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the system, particularly for those homes on well water. Importantly, state law already exists requiring home builders to provide purchasers of newly constructed homes with information on the benefits and estimated costs associated with the installation of fire sprinklers, which NYSAR supported.
Take Action now and tell Governor Hochul, your state lawmakers and the Code Council to oppose mandated residential fire sprinklers in New York. Please share the link with colleagues and clients.
State Supreme Court strikes down law moving local elections to even years
On October 8, a state Supreme Court Justice struck down a state law moving many town and county elections in New York to even-numbered years to align them with state and federal races, following a lawsuit filed by Republicans in the state. The ruling said the law violated state constitution and the rights of local governments to control their own affairs. Read more here.