Housing (Homelessness)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5903: Clarifies extension of uniform land use review procedures to not-for-profit entities

Clarifies the extension of uniform land use review procedures to any not-for-profit organization or corporation proposing to provide shelters to the homeless irrespective of any declaration of an emergency or a finding of need for immediate action.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingClarifies land use procedures for homeless shelters, removing barriers to nonprofit housing development and directly addressing homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Land Use Zoning

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4885: Establishes a bill of rights for the unhoused

Establishes a bill of rights for the unhoused; provides that no person shall be denied certain rights because of a state of homelessness nor shall such persons be harassed, cited, fined, or arrested by law enforcement, security personnel, public employees, or private citizens for the exercise of certain rights; describes rights; provides for a bill of benefits of the unhoused for the free provision of a postal address and the right to juridical services to ensure protection from the violation of their protected rights; requires the office of temporary and disability assistance to create a pamphlet of such rights; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminalization of homelessness by prohibiting arrests/fines for unhoused individuals, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects unhoused individuals from harassment, fines, and arrests related to homelessness, directly advancing housing rights and addressing homelessness per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 709: Revises proceedings to recover possession to prevent avoidable eviction and resulting homelessness; requires improved notice to the respondent

Revises proceedings to recover possession of premises located in a multiple dwelling; requires premises to be registered with the local agency responsible for code enforcement; requires petition shall be stated in plain language and include notice of the rights of the respondent and a statement of any outstanding code violations on the premises and whether rent payments from a public assistance office is being withheld therefor; provides civil penalties for willful misstatements on such petition.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents avoidable evictions and homelessness via clearer notice requirements, tenant rights protections, and civil penalties for false eviction petitions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8444: Prohibits discrimination based upon housing status

This bill adds "housing status" to New York's existing anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It explicitly defines "housing status" to include people experiencing homelessness, living in temporary shelters (like homeless shelters or transitional housing), or residing in places not designed for regular overnight stays (e.g., cars, sidewalks). The law prohibits discrimination based on this status by employers, landlords, and businesses providing public services, integrating it into current enforcement mechanisms under the Division of Human Rights. It does not create new penalties but extends existing protections to cover housing instability as a protected category.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits discrimination against homeless/temporary housing residents, directly strengthening tenant protections and addressing homelessness through explicit anti-discrimination measures.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employment discrimination based on housing status (including homelessness), directly protecting workers' rights under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 891: Directs the department of social services to establish a centralized homelessness crisis response data system

Directs the department of social services to establish a centralized homelessness crisis response data system through which state agencies, local governmental entities, including law enforcement agencies, court systems, school districts, and emergency service providers, and other relevant persons are able to share and access information related to individuals who experience chronic homelessness in order to connect or refer such individuals to services including affordable housing opportunities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates data system to connect homeless individuals to affordable housing services, directly advancing housing access through interagency coordination.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6751: Relates to housing navigation services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities

This bill establishes state-funded housing navigation services to help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities find and maintain stable housing. It requires the state to create individualized housing plans, assist with housing applications, and coordinate transitions, while developing a statewide training curriculum for housing navigators. A multi-agency task force - including state disability, mental health, and housing officials - will oversee implementation, promote awareness, and evaluate outcomes. The law also mandates reporting on service progress and authorizes federal waivers to support these services, effective April 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes state-funded housing navigation services, requiring state budget allocation for new public service implementation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingState-funded housing navigation services directly advance affordable housing access for individuals with disabilities through individualized plans and application assistance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6783: Promotes the inclusion of children living in temporary housing in prekindergarten programs

Promotes the inclusion of children living in temporary housing in prekindergarten programs; requires school districts to prioritize homeless children on any pre-K waitlists and provides for the reimbursement to school districts of hiring additional staff to accommodate the enrollment of a homeless child.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates prioritizing homeless children in pre-K enrollment and reimburses districts for staff, expanding educational access for vulnerable students.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses homelessness by prioritizing homeless children in pre-K programs, aligning with housing support indicators like protecting vulnerable housing situations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Homelessness

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6091: Provides a unified funding point advantage for developers creating housing units that provide certain affordable housing

Provides a unified funding point advantage for developers creating housing units that provide certain affordable housing which is intended for and dedicated to municipal workers who currently reside in shelters or homeless persons programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides unified funding mechanism for affordable housing development, directing public resources toward essential housing programs for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides funding advantage for affordable housing dedicated to municipal workers in shelters/homeless programs, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1870: Includes senior citizens as vulnerable populations eligible for supportive housing

This bill amends New York's public health law to explicitly include senior citizens (defined as 62 years or older) as a vulnerable population eligible for supportive housing programs. It expands eligibility for state housing development grants to organizations serving seniors, requiring applicants to detail how they will support this group. Funding must directly support housing development and services for vulnerable populations, including seniors, with annual reports tracking how funds are used for this purpose. The change ensures seniors are formally recognized in the state's housing support system, affecting housing providers and senior residents seeking stable, accessible housing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly expands public health program eligibility to include seniors for supportive housing, requiring services that address health needs of vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands supportive housing eligibility to seniors (62+), directs funds to housing development for vulnerable populations, requiring detailed service plans for seniors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Homelessness Property Development

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3850: Enacts the "housing is a human right act"

This bill creates a New York State Affordable Housing Czar, who will lead a centralized office within the state housing division to coordinate all housing initiatives. The Czar must develop a state housing plan, create a public website for housing applications, monitor developer compliance with housing mandates, and serve as an ombudsman for residents seeking subsidized housing. It also establishes a 10-member volunteer task force (appointed by legislative leaders) to study affordable housing and submit recommendations to the legislature within one year. The bill directly affects New York residents seeking housing, landlords, developers, and state agencies managing housing programs. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates Affordable Housing Czar, centralized office, state housing plan, and monitors developer compliance to advance affordable housing initiatives and tenant access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Tenant Rights

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