BILL NUMBER: S2291

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to expanding the
applicability of the assessment exemption for living quarters for parent
or grandparent

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL::

To expand eligibility for real property tax assessment exemptions to
include additional living quarters built to accommodate a parent or
grandparent.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::

Section 1 amends subdivision 3 of section 469 of the real property tax
law to expand the eligibility for a tax exemption by removing the
restriction that the exemption only applies to construction or recon-
struction occurring after the original law's effective date. The
exemption will apply as long as a parent or grandparent resides in the
              

living quarters as their primary residence during the taxable years.

Section 2 sets the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In the face of increasing elder care costs and limited affordable hous-
ing options for seniors, New York must promote solutions that allow
families to care for aging parents and grandparents at home while alle-
viating financial burdens on homeowners. States across the country have
implemented similar policies to support multi-generational living,
recognizing the value of keeping families together and providing care in
familiar environments. These efforts have garnered support from advo-
cates for seniors, homeowners, and community organizations because they
offer a practical way to address the growing need for elder housing
without placing additional strain on public resources.

Living quarters for parents and grandparents sometimes called "in-law
suites" or "granny flats" are secondary housing units created within or
adjacent to a primary residence. These units provide independent living
for seniors while allowing family members to be close by to assist with
daily needs and healthcare. By expanding eligibility for tax exemptions
to all such units, regardless of when they were built, this bill ensures
that more families can benefit from financial relief while meeting the
needs of their aging loved ones.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE::

This act shall take effect immediately.