BILL NUMBER: S7175

SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to human rights
violations by a real estate appraiser

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA:

This bill gives the Department of State greater discretion in disciplin-
ing a real estate broker or salesman who violates provisions of the
state Human Rights Law

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section one of the bill adds a new subsection (m) which adds a violation
of article fifteen of the executive law to the list of violations that
could cause a possible revocation of suspension of a real estate
license.

Section two of the bill sets forth the effective date.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

To avoid discriminatory behavior by real estate appraisers and ensure
equitable treatment to all homeowners, we must create a level playing
field. There is compelling evidence that real estate appraisers in Illi-
nois, California, Florida, and Connecticut have been found to lower
appraised home values by up to 50% due to what is found inside a home.
Items such as cultural pieces, books written by people of color and
family photos of people of color were found to lower home values when
visible in plain view compared to when they were removed.  We need to
ensure that this discriminatory practice does not take place in New York
by enacting legislation that discourages this act.  This issue has also
been considered relevant in Congress; a bill has been proposed which
would create a task force on this 'topic and launch a program to enhance
diversity in this profession.

Article 15 of the Executive Law, known as the New York State Human
Rights Law, prohibits discrimination on the basis of a protected charac-
teristic, including race, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability,
marital status, military status, family status, sexual orientation, or
gender identity. Providing the Department of State with the additional
authority to revoke, or suspend the license of a real estate appraiser
found in violation of the Human Rights Law will signal that discrimi-
nation of any kind is unacceptable in New York.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATION FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.