2008 NYSAR Legislative Priorities - Very Important to Know About!

Here's just some of the legislative priorities that NYSAR is focusing on this year. Take a look at these and I think you'll agree that these are legislative bills and initiatives that will affect all of us.

Are these issues worthy of your financial and moral support? I think so and I hope you do too! Don't ever begrudge giving, as you do, to RPAC. Your dollars support a very good cause that helps our clients, customers and our industry as well. Look at these issues below. You'll see how important they are to all of us. Here's the list:

Real Estate Licensee Scope of Practice (A.9383) NYSAR will oppose this new bill that would mandate a real estate broker practice solely within the confines of their county of residence or the county of their principal or branch office.

Commission Protection (S.4874/A.7519-A) NYSAR is renewing its efforts to create better legal protections for earned, but unpaid commissions. In 2007 the Commission Escrow bill again passed the Senate, but died in the Assembly. NYSAR knows of no organized opposition to this proposal.

Broker Verification of Zoning (S.91) In 2008 NYSAR will again oppose legislation that would require real estate brokers to verify every property (residential and commercial) is in full compliance with local zoning laws prior to listing.

Property Tax Relief Again in 2008, property tax relief is a top legislative priority for lawmakers and NYSAR alike. Realtors® will be active advocates for significant tax reductions in the near term and structural reforms to the tax code that will foster tax savings for property owners.

Sex Offender Ban (S.1531/A.1269) In 2008 NYSAR will seek the approval of legislation that bans all sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate license Although felons are already precluded from getting a real estate license, NYSAR has discovered that misdemeanor level sex offenders are still eligible to receive a real estate license.

First-time Homebuyer Savings Accounts (S.2028/A.6576) NYSAR seeks the passage of legislation that would allow individuals and couples to make pre-tax contributions to a savings account that would be dedicated to the purchase of a first home.

Affordable Health Care Access to affordable health care is unattainable for many Realtors® members. In fact, the National Association of reports that almost 30 percent of all Realtors® have no health insurance coverage at all. To examine this issue in New York, NYSAR President Linda Page has formed a legislative working group, which will be meeting for the first time during NYSAR’s February business meetings. In addition, NYSAR will be examining legislative ways to provide more affordable health care to all Realtors®.

Statewide Transfer Tax Authorization (S. 716; S. 3836; A.7333) NYSAR will again be opposing all legislation that would create a more fluid process for the approval of transfer tax increases, regardless of the intent of the dedicated monies.