New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07436

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Requires counties and/or cities to establish a plan for providing legal counsel to persons who are defendants or respondents in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings and who are financially unable to obtain counsel; defines eligible person as one whose gross individual income is not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal income official poverty line; requires the state to match dollar for dollar the amount counties appropriate for their plans.

Impact

The implementation of S07436 will require counties to create and fund plans that guarantee legal representation for those financially unable to secure counsel. Furthermore, the state will match county expenditures for these plans dollar-for-dollar, thereby enhancing the financial viability of legal aid services across New York. This dual-layered support is anticipated to strengthen the legal framework available to vulnerable populations, ultimately leading to fairer outcomes in housing disputes.

Summary

Bill S07436 aims to amend New York's county laws to ensure the provision of legal representation for individuals facing eviction, ejectment, or foreclosure proceedings who cannot afford legal counsel. The bill mandates that counties and cities establish operational plans for providing legal counsel to eligible persons, defined as individuals whose income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty line. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing housing insecurity and ensuring that low-income individuals have access to legal support in critical housing-related disputes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S07436 include concerns about the financial implications for local governments and the potential for increased bureaucracy related to the implementation of such legal representation programs. While advocates argue that providing legal counsel is a necessary public good that can prevent unjust evictions and foreclosures, opponents may voice concerns over the allocation of public funds towards expanded legal services, particularly in financially stretched counties.

Companion Bills

NY A00162

Same As Requires counties and/or cities to establish a plan for providing legal counsel to persons who are defendants or respondents in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings and who are financially unable to obtain counsel; defines eligible person as one whose gross individual income is not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal income official poverty line; requires the state to match dollar for dollar the amount counties appropriate for their plans.

Previously Filed As

NY A00078

Requires counties and/or cities to establish a plan for providing legal counsel to persons who are defendants or respondents in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings and who are financially unable to obtain counsel; defines eligible person as one whose gross individual income is not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal income official poverty line; requires the state to match dollar for dollar the amount counties appropriate for their plans.

NY S03299

Requires counties and/or cities to establish a plan for providing legal counsel to persons who are defendants or respondents in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings and who are financially unable to obtain counsel; defines eligible person as one whose gross individual income is not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal income official poverty line; requires the state to match dollar for dollar the amount counties appropriate for their plans.

NY A01264

Amends the low income housing tax credit eligibility requirement to at least sixty percent of residential units be both rent-restricted and occupied by individuals whose income is one hundred twenty-five percent or less of area median gross income.

NY S06369

Amends the low income housing tax credit eligibility requirement to at least sixty percent of residential units be both rent-restricted and occupied by individuals whose income is one hundred twenty-five percent or less of area median gross income.

NY S08887

Prohibits persons whose income is greater than one hundred twenty-five percent of the area median income from occupying certain housing accommodations.

NY A09986

Prohibits persons whose income is greater than one hundred twenty-five percent of the area median income from occupying certain housing accommodations.

NY A04376

Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one; imposes a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the sale or provision of kratom to any person under the age of twenty-one.

NY S03134

Establishes a tax credit for individuals who serve or are employed as a direct support professional, or direct care worker, up to five thousand dollars for taxpayers who make less than fifty thousand dollars and phased out for individuals who make over one hundred thousand dollars.

NY A03370

Establishes a tax credit for individuals who serve or are employed as a direct support professional, or direct care worker, up to five thousand dollars for taxpayers who make less than fifty thousand dollars and phased out for individuals who make over one hundred thousand dollars.

NY S01709

Provides for free legal representation in certain mortgage foreclosure actions where the homeowner is financially unable to obtain counsel; requires notice of such availability.

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