§ 1200. Studies for establishing state equalization rates. 1. At least
once in every three years in all cities and towns, the commissioner
shall, as part of its procedure for establishing state equalization
rates pursuant to this article, sample the ratio of assessments to
market values for each major type of taxable real property as of the
same date or period of time. In each special assessing unit and each
approved assessing unit which has adopted the provisions of section
nineteen hundred three of this chapter the commissioner shall also
sample the ratio of assessments to market values for each class and each
class in each portion as those terms are defined in section eighteen
hundred two and section nineteen hundred one of this chapter. Upon
completion of each such study, the results thereof shall be filed in the
office of the commissioner as a public record, but until such
completion, the study shall not be a public record and shall not be
subject to the provisions of article six of the public officers law.

2. A study conducted pursuant to subdivision one of this section shall
be known as a "market value survey". Each market value survey shall be
identified by the year containing the date as of which the full value of
taxable real property is estimated for purposes of that market value
survey, which date shall be known as the "valuation date" of that market
value survey.

3. A market value survey conducted pursuant to this section shall be
based upon any data collected or maintained by the commissioner,
including sales data, data made available by local assessors concerning
physical characteristics of parcels, the value of such parcels or the
aggregate full value of some or all of the parcels within the assessing
unit. The commissioner shall promulgate rules to provide that the
quality and accuracy of the data concerning physical characteristics of
the parcels and any other data provided by local assessors are
sufficient for use in the conduct of the market value survey. Where the
commissioner determines that the local data is of sufficient quality and
accuracy for use in the market value survey, the assessing unit shall
provide such data to the commissioner at the commissioner's request.

4. The commissioner shall prepare and submit a report to the governor,
the president pro tem of the senate and the speaker of the assembly
concerning the quality of local assessment practices found through the
market value survey. Such report shall be presented no later than
December thirty-first of the second year following the year in which a
new market value survey is first utilized in the establishment of state
equalization rates pursuant to section twelve hundred two of this
article.

5. For purposes of this article, and any procedure required herein,
the commissioner may determine the aggregate full value of any assessing
unit, portion of an assessing unit or class within an assessing unit in
determining the ratio of assessments to market value in the calculation
of any rate or ratio.