S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
5616--B
Cal. No. 525
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 10, 2017
___________
Introduced by M. of A. RAMOS, SKOUFIS, SCHIMMINGER, SANTABARBARA,
MOSLEY, HOOPER, COOK, SKARTADOS, JOYNER, SEPULVEDA, CAHILL, DAVILA,
OTIS, BLAKE, JEAN-PIERRE, ORTIZ, BRAUNSTEIN, CUSICK, MOYA, RODRIGUEZ,
WEPRIN, COLTON, QUART, LUPARDO, CARROLL, RIVERA, KIM, HARRIS, KEARNS,
CRESPO, STECK, VANEL, PERRY, BENEDETTO, FAHY, HYNDMAN, DICKENS, BRABE-
NEC, AUBRY, BARRON, WOERNER, JONES, ZEBROWSKI, LIFTON, WRIGHT, RAIA,
NIOU, DE LA ROSA, ROSENTHAL, D'URSO, SIMANOWITZ, GJONAJ, MORELLE,
SIMON, DILAN, GLICK, GUNTHER, PICHARDO, ARROYO, JAFFEE, JOHNS,
BARRETT, PEOPLES-STOKES, CYMBROWITZ, LOPEZ, LAVINE, BARNWELL, MAYER,
BRONSON -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. ABBATE, CROUCH, ENGLEBRIGHT,
HEVESI, JENNE, LENTOL, MAGEE, McDONALD, NOLAN, THIELE, TITONE -- read
once and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means -- advanced to a
third reading, passed by Assembly and delivered to the Senate,
recalled from the Senate, vote reconsidered, bill amended, ordered
reprinted, retaining its place on the order of third reading -- again
amended on third reading, ordered reprinted, retaining its place on
the order of third reading
AN ACT to amend the private housing finance law, in relation to estab-
lishing the New York state first home savings program, which author-
izes first time home buyers to establish savings accounts to purchase
a home; and to amend the tax law, in relation to establishing a
personal income tax deduction for deposits into such accounts
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The private housing finance law is amended by adding a new
article 28 to read as follows:
ARTICLE XXVIII
NEW YORK STATE FIRST HOME
SAVINGS PROGRAM
SECTION 1250. PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.
1251. PURPOSES.
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00765-10-7
A. 5616--B 2
1252. DEFINITIONS.
1253. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPTROLLER.
1254. POWERS OF THE COMPTROLLER.
1255. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
1256. PROGRAM LIMITATIONS; FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
§ 1250. PROGRAM ESTABLISHED. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED A FIRST HOME
SAVINGS PROGRAM AND SUCH PROGRAM SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE
"NEW YORK STATE FIRST HOME SAVINGS PROGRAM".
§ 1251. PURPOSES. THE PURPOSES OF THE PROGRAM SHALL BE TO AUTHORIZE
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND TO PROVIDE GUIDE-
LINES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACCOUNTS TO:
1. ENABLE RESIDENTS OF THIS STATE TO BENEFIT FROM THE TAX INCENTIVE
PROVIDED FOR QUALIFIED STATE FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNTS UNDER SECTION
SIX HUNDRED TWELVE OF THE TAX LAW; AND
2. INCENTIVIZE RESIDENTS TO SAVE FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FIRST HOME
WITHIN THE STATE.
§ 1252. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE FOLLOWING TERMS
SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANINGS:
1. "ACCOUNT" OR "FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT" SHALL MEAN AN INDIVIDUAL
SAVINGS ACCOUNT ESTABLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
ARTICLE FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF THE ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED
BENEFICIARY THAT IS THE FIRST TIME BUYER OF A HOME, TOWNHOME, CONDOMIN-
IUM OR UNIT IN A COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION.
2. "ACCOUNT OWNER" SHALL MEAN A TAXPAYER WHO ENTERS INTO A FIRST HOME
SAVINGS AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING
A PERSON WHO ENTERS INTO SUCH AN AGREEMENT AS A FIDUCIARY OR AGENT ON
BEHALF OF A TRUST, ESTATE, PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION, COMPANY OR CORPO-
RATION.
3. "DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY" SHALL MEAN, WITH RESPECT TO AN ACCOUNT OR
ACCOUNTS, THE DESIGNATED INDIVIDUAL OR INDIVIDUALS WHOSE FIRST HOME
PURCHASE EXPENSES ARE EXPECTED TO BE PAID FROM THE ACCOUNT OR ACCOUNTS.
4. "FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION" SHALL MEAN AN ORGANIZATION AUTHORIZED TO
DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE, AND (A) WHICH IS AN AUTHORIZED FIDUCIARY TO
ACT AS A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS ENTI-
TLED "EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974", AS SUCH
PROVISIONS MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, OR AN INSURANCE COMPANY;
AND (B)(I) IS LICENSED OR CHARTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL
SERVICES, (II) IS CHARTERED BY AN AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT,
(III) IS SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION AND REGULATION OF THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, (IV) IS ANY OTHER
ENTITY OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED TO ACT IN THIS STATE AS A TRUSTEE PURSUANT
TO THE PROVISIONS OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS ENTITLED "EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT
INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974", AS SUCH PROVISIONS MAY BE AMENDED FROM
TIME TO TIME, (V) OR ANY BANKING ORGANIZATION AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION
ELEVEN OF SECTION TWO OF THE BANKING LAW, NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION,
STATE CHARTERED CREDIT UNION, FEDERAL MUTUAL SAVINGS BANK, FEDERAL
SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION.
5. "FIRST TIME HOME BUYER" SHALL MEAN AN INDIVIDUAL OR INDIVIDUALS,
NEITHER OF WHOM HAS OR HAD AN OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN A PRINCIPAL RESI-
DENCE AT ANY TIME, INCLUDING RESIDENCES OWNED IN THE UNITED STATES OR
ABROAD. NO SUCH PERSON SHALL OWN ANY OTHER HOME INCLUDING VACATION OR
INVESTMENT RESIDENCES, INCLUDING RESIDENCES OWNED IN THE UNITED STATES
OR ABROAD, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS SUBDIVISION. IF EITHER
THE INDIVIDUAL OR INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS, NEITHER
THE INDIVIDUAL OR INDIVIDUALS SHALL BE CONSIDERED A FIRST TIME HOME
BUYER. IF AN INDIVIDUAL'S ONLY POTENTIALLY DISQUALIFYING PRESENT OWNER-
A. 5616--B 3
SHIP INTEREST IS OWNERSHIP OF A MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME, THE INDI-
VIDUAL SHALL BE CONSIDERED A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER AND SHALL BE ELIGIBLE
FOR A FIRST HOME ACCOUNT DEDUCTION. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE A
"MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME" SHALL MEAN A STRUCTURE THAT IS VALUED AS
PERSONAL PROPERTY AND NOT REAL PROPERTY. IF, DUE TO HIS OR HER OWNERSHIP
OF A MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME, THE INDIVIDUAL HAS CLAIMED A REAL
ESTATE TAX OR HOME MORTGAGE DEDUCTION ON HIS OR HER PERSONAL INCOME TAX
RETURNS, SUCH INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE MOBILE OF MANUFACTURED HOME WAS CONSIDERED
PERSONAL OR REAL PROPERTY.
6. "OWNERSHIP INTEREST" SHALL MEAN A FEE SIMPLE INTEREST, A JOINT
TENANCY, A TENANCY IN COMMON, A TENANCY BY THE ENTIRETY, THE INTEREST OF
A TENANT-SHARE HOLDER IN A COOPERATIVE, A LIFE ESTATE OR A LAND
CONTRACT. INTERESTS WHICH DO NOT CONSTITUTE OWNERSHIP INTERESTS INCLUDE
THE FOLLOWING: (A) REMAINDER INTERESTS, (B) A LEASE WITH OR WITHOUT AN
OPTION TO PURCHASE, (C) A MERE EXPECTANCY TO INHERIT AN INTEREST IN A
RESIDENCE, (D) THE INTEREST THAT A PURCHASER OF A RESIDENCE ACQUIRES ON
THE EXECUTION OF A PURCHASE CONTRACT AND (E) AN INTEREST IN REAL ESTATE
OTHER THAN A RESIDENCE.
7. "PROGRAM" SHALL MEAN THE NEW YORK FIRST HOME SAVINGS PROGRAM ESTAB-
LISHED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.
8. "QUALIFIED FIRST HOME PURCHASE EXPENSES" SHALL MEAN MONIES APPLIED
FOR THE PURCHASE OR CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE, TOWNHOUSE, CONDOMINIUM OR
UNIT IN A COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION WITHIN THE STATE TO BE USED AS
A PRIMARY RESIDENCE OF THE ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY FOR A
PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS AFTER PURCHASE.
9. "QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL HOUSING" SHALL MEAN A HOUSE, TOWNHOUSE,
CONDOMINIUM OR UNIT IN A COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION WITHIN THE
STATE.
10. "QUALIFIED WITHDRAWAL" SHALL MEAN A WITHDRAWAL FROM AN ACCOUNT TO
PAY THE QUALIFIED FIRST HOME PURCHASE EXPENSE OF THE ACCOUNT OWNER OR
DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY OF THE ACCOUNT.
11. "NONQUALIFIED WITHDRAWAL" SHALL MEAN A WITHDRAWAL FROM AN ACCOUNT
BUT SHALL NOT INCLUDE:
(A) A QUALIFIED WITHDRAWAL;
(B) A WITHDRAWAL MADE AS THE RESULT OF DEATH;
(C) AN UNFORESEEABLE EMERGENCY; OR
(D) NEED BASED UPON QUALIFYING FOR MILITARY SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORC-
ES OF THE UNITED STATES AS DETERMINED BY RULES AN REGULATIONS PROMULGAT-
ED BY THE COMPTROLLER.
12. "COMPTROLLER" SHALL MEAN THE STATE COMPTROLLER.
13. "MANAGEMENT CONTRACT" SHALL MEAN THE CONTRACT EXECUTED BY THE
COMPTROLLER AND A FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION SELECTED TO ACT AS A DEPOSITORY
AND MANAGER OF THE PROGRAM.
14. "FIRST HOME SAVINGS AGREEMENT" SHALL MEAN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
COMPTROLLER OR A FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION AND THE ACCOUNT OWNER.
15. "PROGRAM MANAGER" SHALL MEAN A FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION SELECTED BY
THE COMPTROLLER TO ACT AS A DEPOSITORY AND MANAGER OF THE PROGRAM.
16. "COMMISSIONER" SHALL MEAN THE COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND
FINANCE.
§ 1253. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPTROLLER. 1. THE COMPTROLLER SHALL IMPLE-
MENT THE PROGRAM UNDER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED BY THIS
ARTICLE AND A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COMMISSIONER RELATING
TO ANY TERMS OR CONDITIONS NOT OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED FOR IN THIS
ARTICLE.
2. IN FURTHERANCE OF SUCH IMPLEMENTATION THE COMPTROLLER SHALL:
A. 5616--B 4
(A) DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE THROUGH RULES AND REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT;
(B) ENGAGE THE SERVICES OF CONSULTANTS ON A CONTRACT BASIS FOR RENDER-
ING PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE;
(C) SEEK RULINGS AND OTHER GUIDANCE FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF TREASURY AND THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE RELATING TO THE PROGRAM;
(D) MAKE CHANGES TO THE PROGRAM REQUIRED FOR THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE
PROGRAM TO OBTAIN THE STATE INCOME TAX BENEFITS OR TREATMENT PROVIDED BY
THIS ARTICLE;
(E) CHARGE, IMPOSE AND COLLECT ADMINISTRATIVE FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY AGREEMENT, CONTRACT OR TRANSACTION RELATING TO
THE PROGRAM;
(F) DEVELOP MARKETING PLANS AND PROMOTION MATERIALS;
(G) ESTABLISH THE METHODS BY WHICH THE FUNDS HELD IN SUCH ACCOUNTS BE
DISPERSED;
(H) ESTABLISH THE METHOD BY WHICH FUNDS SHALL BE ALLOCATED TO PAY FOR
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS; AND
(I) DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY AND PROPER TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF
THIS ARTICLE.
§ 1254. POWERS OF THE COMPTROLLER. 1. THE COMPTROLLER MAY IMPLEMENT
THE PROGRAM THROUGH USE OF FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS AS ACCOUNT DEPOSITO-
RIES AND MANAGERS. UNDER THE PROGRAM, AN ACCOUNT OWNER MAY ESTABLISH
ACCOUNTS DIRECTLY WITH AN ACCOUNT DEPOSITORY.
2. THE COMPTROLLER MAY SOLICIT PROPOSALS FROM FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
TO ACT AS DEPOSITORIES AND MANAGERS OF THE PROGRAM. FINANCIAL ORGANIZA-
TIONS SUBMITTING PROPOSALS SHALL DESCRIBE THE INVESTMENT INSTRUMENT
WHICH WILL BE HELD IN ACCOUNTS. THE COMPTROLLER SHALL SELECT AS PROGRAM
DEPOSITORIES AND MANAGERS THE FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION, FROM AMONG THE
BIDDING FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT DEMONSTRATES THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS
COMBINATION, BOTH TO POTENTIAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND THIS STATE, OF
THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
(A) FINANCIAL STABILITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION;
(B) THE SAFETY OF THE INVESTMENT INSTRUMENT BEING OFFERED;
(C) THE ABILITY OF THE INVESTMENT INSTRUMENT TO TRACK INCREASING COSTS
OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSING;
(D) THE ABILITY OF THE FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION TO SATISFY RECORDKEEPING
AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS;
(E) THE FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION'S PLAN FOR PROMOTING THE PROGRAM AND
THE INVESTMENT IT IS WILLING TO MAKE TO PROMOTE THE PROGRAM;
(F) THE FEES, IF ANY, PROPOSED TO BE CHARGED TO PERSONS FOR OPENING
ACCOUNTS;
(G) THE MINIMUM INITIAL DEPOSIT AND MINIMUM CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THE
FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION WILL REQUIRE;
(H) THE ABILITY OF BANKING ORGANIZATIONS TO ACCEPT ELECTRONIC WITH-
DRAWALS, INCLUDING PAYROLL DEDUCTION PLANS; AND
(I) OTHER BENEFITS TO THE STATE OR ITS RESIDENTS INCLUDED IN THE
PROPOSAL, INCLUDING FEES PAYABLE TO THE STATE TO COVER EXPENSES OF OPER-
ATION OF THE PROGRAM.
3. THE COMPTROLLER MAY ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH A FINANCIAL ORGAN-
IZATION. SUCH FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT MAY PROVIDE ONE OR MORE
TYPES OF INVESTMENT INSTRUMENT.
4. THE COMPTROLLER MAY SELECT MORE THAN ONE FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION FOR
THE PROGRAM.
5. A MANAGEMENT CONTRACT SHALL INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, TERMS REQUIRING
THE FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION TO:
A. 5616--B 5
(A) TAKE ANY ACTION REQUIRED TO KEEP THE PROGRAM IN COMPLIANCE WITH
REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE AND
ANY ACTIONS NOT CONTRARY TO ITS CONTRACT TO MANAGE THE PROGRAM TO QUALI-
FY AS A "FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT" UNDER PARAGRAPH FORTY-TWO OF
SUBSECTION (C) OF SECTION SIX HUNDRED TWELVE OF THE TAX LAW;
(B) KEEP ADEQUATE RECORDS OF EACH ACCOUNT, KEEP EACH ACCOUNT SEGRE-
GATED FROM EACH OTHER ACCOUNT, AND PROVIDE THE COMPTROLLER WITH THE
INFORMATION NECESSARY TO PREPARE THE STATEMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION
TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE;
(C) COMPILE AND TOTAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN STATEMENTS REQUIRED TO
BE PREPARED UNDER SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE AND
PROVIDE SUCH COMPILATIONS TO THE COMPTROLLER;
(D) IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM MANAGER, PROVIDE THE COMPTROLLER
WITH SUCH INFORMATION NECESSARY TO DETERMINE COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION
TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE;
(E) PROVIDE THE COMPTROLLER OR HIS DESIGNEE ACCESS TO THE BOOKS AND
RECORDS OF THE PROGRAM MANAGER TO THE EXTENT NEEDED TO DETERMINE COMPLI-
ANCE WITH THE CONTRACT;
(F) HOLD ALL ACCOUNTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ACCOUNT OWNER;
(G) BE AUDITED AT LEAST ANNUALLY BY A FIRM OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS SELECTED BY THE PROGRAM MANAGER AND THAT THE RESULTS OF SUCH
AUDIT BE PROVIDED TO THE COMPTROLLER;
(H) PROVIDE THE COMPTROLLER WITH COPIES OF ALL REGULATORY FILINGS AND
REPORTS MADE BY IT DURING THE TERM OF THE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR WHILE
IT IS HOLDING ANY ACCOUNTS, OTHER THAN CONFIDENTIAL FILINGS OR REPORTS
THAT WILL NOT BECOME PART OF THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM MANAGER SHALL MAKE
AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW BY THE COMPTROLLER THE RESULTS OF ANY PERIODIC
EXAMINATION OF SUCH MANAGER BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL BANKING, INSURANCE
OR SECURITIES COMMISSION, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH REPORT OR
REPORTS MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW OR THE RULES OF SUCH
COMMISSION; AND
(I) ENSURE THAT ANY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM, WHETHER IN WRITING OR
THROUGH THE USE OF ANY MEDIA, IS CONSISTENT WITH THE MARKETING PLAN AS
DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-
THREE OF THIS ARTICLE.
6. THE COMPTROLLER MAY PROVIDE THAT AN AUDIT SHALL BE CONDUCTED OF THE
OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE PROGRAM DEPOSITORY AND MANAGER
AT ANY TIME IF THE COMPTROLLER HAS ANY REASON TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE
FINANCIAL POSITION, THE RECORDKEEPING PRACTICES, OR THE STATUS OF
ACCOUNTS OF SUCH PROGRAM DEPOSITORY AND MANAGER.
7. DURING THE TERM OF ANY CONTRACT WITH A PROGRAM MANAGER, THE COMP-
TROLLER SHALL CONDUCT AN EXAMINATION OF SUCH MANAGER AND ITS HANDLING OF
ACCOUNTS. SUCH EXAMINATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED AT LEAST BIENNIALLY IF
SUCH MANAGER IS NOT OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO PERIODIC EXAMINATION BY THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION OR OTHER SIMILAR ENTITY.
8. (A) IF SELECTION OF A FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION AS A PROGRAM MANAGER
OR DEPOSITORY IS NOT RENEWED, AFTER THE END OF ITS TERM:
(I) ACCOUNTS PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED AND HELD IN INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS
AT SUCH FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION MAY BE TERMINATED;
(II) ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO SUCH ACCOUNTS;
(III) NO NEW ACCOUNTS MAY BE PLACED WITH SUCH FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION;
AND
(IV) EXISTING ACCOUNTS HELD BY SUCH DEPOSITORY SHALL REMAIN SUBJECT TO
ALL OVERSIGHT AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY THE COMPTROLLER.
A. 5616--B 6
(B) IF THE COMPTROLLER TERMINATES A FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION AS A
PROGRAM MANAGER OR DEPOSITORY, HE OR SHE SHALL TAKE CUSTODY OF ACCOUNTS
HELD BY SUCH FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION AND SHALL SEEK TO PROMPTLY TRANSFER
SUCH ACCOUNTS TO ANOTHER FINANCIAL ORGANIZATION THAT IS SELECTED AS A
PROGRAM MANAGER OR DEPOSITORY AND INTO INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AS SIMILAR
TO THE ORIGINAL INSTRUMENTS AS POSSIBLE.
9. THE COMPTROLLER MAY ENTER INTO SUCH CONTRACTS AS IT DEEMS NECESSARY
AND PROPER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM.
§ 1255. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT. 1. FIRST
HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
ARTICLE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
2. A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT MAY BE OPENED BY ANY PERSON WHO
DESIRES TO SAVE MONEY FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE QUALIFIED FIRST HOME
PURCHASE EXPENSES OF THE ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY. AN
ACCOUNT OWNER MAY DESIGNATE ANOTHER PERSON AS SUCCESSOR OWNER OF THE
ACCOUNT IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF THE ORIGINAL ACCOUNT OWNER. SUCH
PERSON WHO OPENS AN ACCOUNT OR ANY SUCCESSOR OWNER SHALL BE CONSIDERED
THE ACCOUNT OWNER.
(A) AN APPLICATION FOR SUCH ACCOUNT SHALL BE IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY
THE PROGRAM AND CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING:
(I) THE NAME, ADDRESS AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR EMPLOYER IDENTIFI-
CATION NUMBER OF THE ACCOUNT OWNER;
(II) THE DESIGNATION OF A DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY;
(III) THE NAME, ADDRESS, AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OF THE DESIGNATED
BENEFICIARY; AND
(IV) SUCH OTHER INFORMATION AS THE PROGRAM MAY REQUIRE.
(B) THE COMPTROLLER AND THE CORPORATION MAY ESTABLISH A NOMINAL FEE
FOR SUCH APPLICATION.
3. ANY PERSON, INCLUDING THE ACCOUNT OWNER, MAY MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO
THE ACCOUNT AFTER THE ACCOUNT IS OPENED.
4. CONTRIBUTIONS TO ACCOUNTS MAY BE MADE ONLY IN CASH.
5. AN ACCOUNT OWNER MAY WITHDRAW ALL OR PART OF THE BALANCE FROM AN
ACCOUNT AS AUTHORIZED UNDER RULES GOVERNING THE PROGRAM. SUCH RULES
SHALL INCLUDE PROVISIONS THAT WILL GENERALLY ENABLE THE DETERMINATION AS
TO WHETHER A WITHDRAWAL IS A NONQUALIFIED WITHDRAWAL OR A QUALIFIED
WITHDRAWAL.
6. (A) AN ACCOUNT OWNER MAY CHANGE THE DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY OF AN
ACCOUNT IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTATING PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED
FIFTY-THREE OF THIS ARTICLE.
(B) AN ACCOUNT OWNER MAY TRANSFER ALL OR A PORTION OF AN ACCOUNT TO
ANOTHER FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
(C) CHANGES IN DESIGNATED BENEFICIARIES AND TRANSFERS UNDER THIS
SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY WOULD CAUSE
ALL ACCOUNTS FOR THE SAME BENEFICIARY TO EXCEED THE PERMITTED AGGREGATE
MAXIMUM ACCOUNT BALANCE.
7. THE PROGRAM SHALL PROVIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNTING FOR EACH DESIGNATED
BENEFICIARY.
8. NO ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY OF ANY ACCOUNT SHALL BE
PERMITTED TO DIRECT THE INVESTMENT OF ANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO AN ACCOUNT OR
THE EARNINGS THEREON MORE THAN TWO TIMES IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR.
9. NEITHER AN ACCOUNT OWNER NOR A DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY MAY USE AN
INTEREST IN AN ACCOUNT AS SECURITY FOR A LOAN. ANY PLEDGE OF AN INTEREST
IN AN ACCOUNT SHALL BE OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT.
10. THE COMPTROLLER SHALL PROMULGATE RULES OR REGULATIONS TO PREVENT
CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF A DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY IN EXCESS OF AN
A. 5616--B 7
AMOUNT THAT WOULD CAUSE THE AGGREGATE ACCOUNT BALANCE FOR ALL ACCOUNTS
FOR A DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY TO EXCEED A MAXIMUM ACCOUNT BALANCE, AS
ESTABLISHED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE COMPTROLLER.
11. CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT SHALL BE LIMITED TO
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS PER ACCOUNT. THIS AMOUNT SHALL NOT TAKE
INTO CONSIDERATION ANY GAIN OR LOSS TO THE PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT INTO THE
ACCOUNT.
12. IN THE EVENT THAT AN INDIVIDUAL MAKES A "NONQUALIFIED WITHDRAWAL"
OF MONIES FROM THE FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT SUCH INDIVIDUAL SHALL HAVE
THE ENTIRE ACCOUNT TAXED, INCLUDING ANY INTEREST, AS THOUGH IT WAS
INCOME AT THE ACCOUNT OWNER'S FEDERAL TAX RATE IN THE TAX YEARS THE
MONIES WERE WITHDRAWN, AND INCUR AN ADDITIONAL TEN PERCENT STATE PENALTY
ON THE AMOUNT OF EARNINGS. IN THE EVENT ACCOUNT OWNERS OR DESIGNATED
BENEFICIARY DOES NOT USE THE QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL HOUSING AS A PRIMARY
RESIDENCE FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF
SUCH HOUSING, THE ACCOUNT OWNER SHALL HAVE THE ENTIRE ACCOUNT TAXED,
INCLUDING ANY INTEREST, AS THOUGH IT WAS ORDINARY INCOME AT THE ACCOUNT
OWNER'S FEDERAL TAX RATE IN THE TAX YEARS THE MONIES WERE WITHDRAWN AND
INCUR AN ADDITIONAL TEN PERCENT STATE PENALTY ON THE AMOUNT OF EARNINGS.
FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE, THE TWO YEAR PERIOD SHALL BEGIN AT THE
TIME TITLE IS TRANSFERRED TO THE FIRST TIME HOME BUYER. THE PENALTY
SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO ANY TAXES DUE PURSUANT TO A NON-QUALIFIED WITH-
DRAWAL FROM A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT.
13. PENALTIES MAY BE WAIVED BY THE COMMISSIONER IF THE INDIVIDUAL CAN
SHOW PROOF THAT THE REASON THE INDIVIDUAL DID NOT USE THE QUALIFIED
RESIDENTIAL HOUSING AS A PRIMARY RESIDENCE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS OR
MORE AFTER THE PURCHASE OR CONSTRUCTION WAS DUE TO EITHER:
(A) AN EMPLOYMENT RELOCATION OUTSIDE THE STATE AND SUCH RELOCATION
REQUIRED THE INDIVIDUAL TO BECOME A RESIDENT OF ANOTHER STATE;
(B) AN UNFORESEEABLE EMERGENCY;
(C) AN ABSENCE DUE TO QUALIFYING MILITARY SERVICE; OR
(D) DEATH.
FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SUBDIVISION, AN "UNFORESEEABLE EMERGENCY" SHALL
MEAN A SEVERE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP RESULTING FROM ILLNESS, ACCIDENT OR
PROPERTY LOSS TO THE ACCOUNT OWNER, OR HIS OR HER DEPENDENTS RESULTING
IN CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THEIR CONTROL. THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CONSTITUTE
AN UNFORESEEABLE FINANCIAL EMERGENCY WILL DEPEND ON THE FACTS OF EACH
CASE, HOWEVER, WITHDRAWAL OF ACCOUNT FUNDS MAY NOT BE MADE, WITHOUT
PENALTY, TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH HARDSHIP IS OR MAY BE RELIEVED BY
EITHER:
(I) REIMBURSEMENT OR COMPENSATION BY INSURANCE OR OTHERWISE; OR
(II) LIQUIDATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S ASSETS TO THE EXTENT THE LIQUI-
DATION OF SUCH ASSETS WOULD NOT ITSELF CAUSE SEVERE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.
14. THE COMMISSIONER AND THE COMPTROLLER ARE DIRECTED TO PROMULGATE
ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
SUBSECTION AND ARE HEREBY DIRECTED TO ESTABLISH, SUPERVISE AND REGULATE
FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AUTHORIZED TO BE CREATED BY THIS SECTION.
15. (A) IF THERE IS ANY DISTRIBUTION FROM A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT
TO ANY INDIVIDUAL OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL DURING A CALENDAR
YEAR, SUCH DISTRIBUTION SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE
SERVICE AND THE ACCOUNT OWNER, THE DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY, OR THE
DISTRIBUTEE TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW OR REGULATION.
(B) STATEMENTS SHALL BE PROVIDED TO EACH ACCOUNT OWNER AT LEAST ONCE
EACH YEAR WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE END OF THE TWELVE MONTH PERIOD TO
WHICH THEY RELATE. THE STATEMENT SHALL IDENTIFY THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE
DURING A PRECEDING TWELVE MONTH PERIOD, THE TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO
A. 5616--B 8
THE ACCOUNT THROUGH THE END OF THE PERIOD, THE VALUE OF THE ACCOUNT AT
THE END OF SUCH PERIOD, DISTRIBUTIONS MADE DURING SUCH PERIOD AND ANY
OTHER INFORMATION THAT THE COMPTROLLER SHALL REQUIRE TO BE REPORTED TO
THE ACCOUNT OWNER.
(C) STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO ACCOUNTS SHALL BE PREPARED
AND FILED TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE TAX LAWS.
16. AN ANNUAL FEE MAY BE IMPOSED UPON THE ACCOUNT OWNER FOR THE MAIN-
TENANCE OF THE ACCOUNT.
17. THE PROGRAM SHALL DISCLOSE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN WRITING TO
EACH ACCOUNT OWNER OF A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT:
(A) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ESTABLISHING A FIRST HOME SAVINGS
ACCOUNT;
(B) ANY RESTRICTIONS ON THE SUBSTITUTION OF BENEFICIARIES;
(C) THE PERSON OR ENTITY ENTITLED TO TERMINATE THE FIRST HOME SAVINGS
AGREEMENT;
(D) THE PERIOD OF TIME DURING WHICH A BENEFICIARY MAY RECEIVE BENEFITS
UNDER THE FIRST HOME SAVINGS AGREEMENT;
(E) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH MONEY MAY BE WHOLLY OR
PARTIALLY WITHDRAWN FROM THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
REASONABLE CHARGES AND FEES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR WITHDRAWAL;
(F) THE PROBABLE TAX CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH CONTRIBUTIONS TO AND
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM ACCOUNTS; AND
(G) ALL OTHER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO FIRST HOME SAVINGS
AGREEMENTS, AND ANY OTHER TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND PROVISIONS DEEMED
NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE BY THE TERMS OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTAND-
ING ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-THREE OF THIS
ARTICLE.
18. FIRST HOME SAVINGS AGREEMENTS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO SECTION FOUR-
TEEN-C OF THE BANKING LAW AND THE "TRUTH-IN-SAVINGS" REGULATIONS PROMUL-
GATED THEREUNDER.
19. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE OR IN ANY FIRST HOME SAVINGS AGREEMENT
ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS A GUARANTEE
BY THE STATE THAT THE ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY WILL QUAL-
IFY FOR THE PURCHASE OF A HOME.
20. TO ESTABLISH THAT AN ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY IS A
FIRST TIME HOME BUYER, THE INDIVIDUAL SHALL COMPLETE A FORM PROMULGATED
BY THE COMPTROLLER CERTIFYING, UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, THAT SUCH
INDIVIDUAL IS A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER.
21. AN INDIVIDUAL MUST NOT INTEND TO USE ANY PORTION OF THE REAL PROP-
ERTY PURCHASED USING THE FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT FUNDS IN A TRADE OR
BUSINESS, OR AS A VACATION HOME OR AS AN INVESTMENT, EXCEPT AS AN OWNER
OCCUPIED MULTIPLE DWELLING WITH NO MORE THAN TWO RENTAL UNITS.
22. MONIES WITHDRAWN FROM FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ANY INTEREST
WHICH HAS ACCRUED SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS TAXABLE INCOME TO THE
ACCOUNT OWNER FOR STATE PERSONAL INCOME TAXATION PURPOSES, SO LONG AS
THE MONIES ARE APPLIED FOR THE PURCHASE OR CONSTRUCTION OF A QUALIFIED
FIRST HOME PURCHASE BY THE ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY OF
THE ACCOUNT.
§ 1256. PROGRAM LIMITATIONS; FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT. 1. NOTHING IN
THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO:
(A) GIVE ANY DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY ANY RIGHTS OR LEGAL INTEREST WITH
RESPECT TO AN ACCOUNT UNLESS THE DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY IS THE ACCOUNT
OWNER;
(B) GUARANTEE THAT THE ACCOUNT OWNER OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY WILL BE
FINANCIALLY QUALIFIED TO PURCHASE A HOME;
A. 5616--B 9
(C) CREATE STATE RESIDENCY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL MERELY BECAUSE THE INDI-
VIDUAL IS A DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY; OR
(D) GUARANTEE THAT AMOUNTS SAVED PURSUANT TO THE PROGRAM WILL BE
SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE DOWN PAYMENT OR CLOSING COSTS PURSUANT TO THE
PURCHASE OF A QUALIFIED FIRST HOME.
2. (A) NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL CREATE OR BE CONSTRUED TO CREATE
ANY OBLIGATION OF THE COMPTROLLER, THE STATE, OR ANY AGENCY OR INSTRU-
MENTALITY OF THE STATE TO GUARANTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ACCOUNT OWNER
OR DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY WITH RESPECT TO:
(I) THE RATE OF INTEREST OR OTHER RETURN ON ANY ACCOUNT; AND
(II) THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST OR OTHER RETURN ON ANY ACCOUNT.
(B) THE COMPTROLLER BY RULE OR REGULATION SHALL PROVIDE THAT EVERY
CONTRACT, APPLICATION, DEPOSIT SLIP OR OTHER SIMILAR DOCUMENT THAT MAY
BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ACCOUNT CLEARLY INDICATE
THAT THE ACCOUNT IS NOT INSURED BY THE STATE AND NEITHER THE PRINCIPAL
DEPOSITED NOR THE INVESTMENT RETURN IS GUARANTEED BY THE STATE.
§ 2. Subsection (b) of section 612 of the tax law is amended by adding
a new paragraph 42 to read as follows:
(42) (A) EXCESS DISTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED DURING THE TAXABLE YEAR BY A
DISTRIBUTEE OF A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT ESTABLISHED UNDER THE NEW
YORK STATE FIRST HOME SAVINGS PROGRAM PROVIDED FOR UNDER ARTICLE TWEN-
TY-EIGHT OF THE PRIVATE HOUSING FINANCE LAW, TO THE EXTENT SUCH EXCESS
DISTRIBUTIONS ARE DEEMED ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS
UNDER PARAGRAPH FORTY-TWO OF SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION.
(B) (I) THE TERM "EXCESS DISTRIBUTIONS" MEANS DISTRIBUTIONS WHICH ARE
NOT:
(I) QUALIFIED WITHDRAWALS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SUBDIVISION TEN OF
SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO OF THE PRIVATE HOUSING FINANCE LAW;
(II) WITHDRAWALS MADE AS A RESULT OF THE DEATH OR DISABILITY OF THE
DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY WITHIN THE MEANING OF SUBDIVISION ELEVEN OF
SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO OF SUCH LAW; OR
(III) TRANSFERS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF SUBDIVISION SIX OF
SECTION TWELVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE OF SUCH LAW.
(II) EXCESS DISTRIBUTIONS SHALL BE DEEMED ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEDUCTIBLE
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EXTENT THE AMOUNT OF ANY SUCH EXCESS DISTRIBUTION,
WHEN ADDED TO ALL PREVIOUS EXCESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE ACCOUNT,
EXCEEDS THE AGGREGATE OF ALL NONDEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ACCOUNT.
§ 3. Subsection (c) of section 612 of the tax law is amended by adding
two new paragraphs 42 and 43 to read as follows:
(42) CONTRIBUTIONS MADE DURING THE TAXABLE YEAR BY AN ACCOUNT OWNER TO
A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT ESTABLISHED UNDER THE NEW YORK STATE FIRST
HOME SAVINGS PROGRAM PROVIDED FOR UNDER ARTICLE TWENTY-EIGHT OF THE
PRIVATE HOUSING FINANCE LAW, TO THE EXTENT NOT DEDUCTIBLE OR ELIGIBLE
FOR CREDIT FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THE
EXCLUSION PROVIDED FOR IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL OR HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD, AND FOR MARRIED COUPLES
WHO FILE JOINT TAX RETURNS, SHALL NOT EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS;
PROVIDED, FURTHER THAT SUCH EXCLUSION SHALL BE AVAILABLE ONLY TO THE
ACCOUNT OWNER AND NOT TO ANY OTHER PERSON.
(43) DISTRIBUTIONS FROM A FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT ESTABLISHED UNDER
THE NEW YORK STATE FIRST HOME SAVINGS PROGRAM PROVIDED FOR UNDER ARTICLE
TWENTY-EIGHT OF THE PRIVATE HOUSING FINANCE LAW, TO THE EXTENT INCLUDI-
BLE IN GROSS INCOME FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
§ 4. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
it shall have become a law, and shall apply to taxable years commencing
on or after the first of January next succeeding the date on which it
A. 5616--B 10
shall have become law; provided, however, that effective immediately,
the commissioner of taxation and finance and the comptroller are author-
ized and directed to promulgate any rules or regulations necessary to
implement the provisions of this act on its effective date on or before
such date.