New York Assembly Bill A01625

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Report Pass: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25

Caption

Establishes the homeowner protection program; provides that the department of law shall establish the homeowner protection program to ensure the availability of free housing counseling and legal services to homeowners for the purposes of mitigating threats to homeownership; provides that the department of law shall provide grants to eligible not-for-profit housing counseling organizations and legal services organizations to provide services under the program.

Impact

The introduction of A01625 is expected to significantly influence state laws governing property rights and homeowner support mechanisms. By formalizing a structure for legal assistance and counseling specifically targeting at-risk homeowners, the bill seeks to mitigate the negative impacts associated with housing instability. It also emphasizes the need for community-based organizations to play a pivotal role in assisting individuals who may otherwise lack the resources to navigate legal complexities related to homeownership threats.

Summary

A01625 aims to establish a homeowner protection program through the Department of Law in New York. This program is designed to offer free housing counseling and legal services to homeowners facing threats to their homeownership. The primary objectives include tackling issues such as foreclosure prevention, preserving home equity, and safeguarding homeowners from scams and predatory lending practices, particularly in communities of color. The bill mandates that the department provides grants to eligible non-profit housing counseling and legal services organizations, ensuring a support system is available in various counties throughout the state.

Contention

While the bill itself represents a proactive approach to homeowner protection, it may encounter contention regarding the allocation of state resources and the criteria for grant distribution. Critics could argue that the reliance on non-profit organizations might lead to inconsistent quality of services and could create disparities in access to assistance based on geographical or socio-economic factors. Additionally, as the bill encourages the reporting of services provided under these grants, there may be concerns around the monitoring and accountability of the organizations involved, which is essential for maintaining integrity in the program.