NY State Senate Bill 2009-S1556

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

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	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Apr 27, 2010	print number 1556a
Apr 27, 2010	amend and recommit to finance
Apr 06, 2010	notice of committee consideration - requested
Jan 25, 2010	reported and committed to finance
Jan 06, 2010	referred to aging
Jul 16, 2009	committed to rules
Jun 04, 2009	advanced to third reading
Jun 03, 2009	2nd report cal.
Jun 02, 2009	1st report cal.535
Feb 09, 2009	reported and committed to finance
Feb 03, 2009	referred to aging

Votes

- Jan 25, 2010 - Aging Committee Vote
  S1556
  
  9
  
  Aye
  
  1
  
  Nay
  
  2
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Aging Committee Vote: Jan 25, 2010
      
      aye (9)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Diaz
      
      Farley
      
      Golden
      
      Kruger
      
      Oppenheimer
      
      Savino
      
      Serrano
      
      Stavisky
      
      nay (1)
      
      Flanagan
      
      aye wr (2)
      
      LaValle
      
      Ranzenhofer
  Feb 9, 2009 - Aging Committee Vote
  S1556
  
  12
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Aging Committee Vote: Feb 9, 2009
      
      aye (12)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Diaz
      
      Farley
      
      Flanagan
      
      Golden
      
      Kruger
      
      LaValle
      
      Oppenheimer
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Savino
      
      Serrano
      
      Stavisky

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2009-S1556 - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Elder Law
Laws Affected:: Add §224, Eld L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2011-2012: S303
2013-2014: S263
2015-2016: S258
2017-2018: S4887

2009-S1556 - Summary

Establishes the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate within the state office for the aging; provides that the senior tenants' advocate shall assist senior citizen tenants in resolving complaints they may have with the New York state division of housing and community renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases, and other housing related matters; provides that the governor shall appoint the senior tenants' advocate to a term of four years.

2009-S1556 - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S1556

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the elder law, in relation to establishing the bureau
of the senior tenants' advocate in the state office for the aging


 PURPOSE :
To create within the Office for the Aging a Senior Tenant Advocate for
the purpose of investigating, resolving, informing, and protecting
senior tenants.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
The elder law is amended by adding a new section 224 for the creation
within the Office for the Aging, a Bureau of the Senior Tenant
Advocate for the purpose of assisting senior citizen tenants in
resolving complaints they may have with the New York State Division of
Housing and Community Renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases and
other housing related matters. Section 2 provides for the governor to
appoint the advocate for a period of four years.

An annual report must be submitted to the governor, temporary
president of the Senate, Speaker of the Assembly and the director of
the Office for the Aging, by the State Senior tenants Advocate. Such
report will be made available to the public and include the following:
A description of the activities carried out by the Bureau, analyzed

data relating to complaints for the purpose of identifying and
resolving recurring problems, and recommendations for the creation of
appropriate state legislation and other actions to preserve and
promote the rights of senior citizen tenants. The report will also
include recommendations for the improvement of public awareness of
senior citizen tenants rights and availability of public assistance
programs to senior citizen tenants and other matters that the senior
tenants advocate determine to be appropriate.

 JUSTIFICATION :
This legislation will create within the New York State Department for
the Aging, a Bureau, whose sole purpose will be to protect the rights
of senior citizen tenants. The Bureau will also provide a place where
these individuals may submit any housing complaint and obtain
immediate action. The Bureau of the Senior Tenant Advocate will also
ensure that senior citizen tenants are afforded all the necessary
information required to navigate through the New York City's housing
market.

Senior citizens are at a higher risk to become victims of dishonorable
conduct by various housing entities including, but limited to,
landlords and other tenants. This legislation will provide a venue of
protection for these individuals.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
On the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become law.

2009-S1556 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  1556

                       2009-2010 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                            February 3, 2009
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sens. DIAZ, ADAMS, DILAN, DUANE, HASSELL-THOMPSON, HUNT-
  LEY, KRUEGER, KRUGER, ONORATO,  SAMPSON,  SAVINO  --  read  twice  and
  ordered  printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on
  Aging

AN ACT to amend the elder law, in relation to establishing the bureau of
  the senior tenants' advocate in the state office for the aging

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section  1.  The  elder  law is amended by adding a new section 224 to
read as follows:
  S 224. SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE. 1.  BUREAU  ESTABLISHED.    THERE  IS
HEREBY  ESTABLISHED  WITHIN  THE  OFFICE  FOR  THE AGING A BUREAU OF THE
SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE FOR THE PURPOSE  OF  ASSISTING  SENIOR  CITIZEN
TENANTS  IN  RESOLVING  COMPLAINTS THEY MAY HAVE WITH THE NEW YORK STATE
DIVISION OF HOUSING  AND  COMMUNITY  RENEWAL,  LANDLORD  DISPUTES,  RENT
INCREASES, AND OTHER HOUSING RELATED MATTERS.
  2. APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE. THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT
A  FULL-TIME  STATE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE TO ADMINISTER AND SUPERVISE
THE BUREAU OF THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE. SUCH  APPOINTMENT  SHALL  BE
FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS.
  (A) THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL BE SELECTED FROM AMONG INDIVID-
UALS  WITH  EXPERTISE  AND EXPERIENCE IN LANDLORD AND TENANT, AND SENIOR
CITIZEN CARE ADVOCACY, AND WITH OTHER QUALIFICATIONS DETERMINED  BY  THE
GOVERNOR TO BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.
  (B)  THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL, PERSONALLY OR THROUGH AUTHOR-
IZED REPRESENTATIVES AS PROVIDED FOR IN PARAGRAPH (C) OF  THIS  SUBDIVI-
SION:
  (I)  IDENTIFY, INVESTIGATE, AND ASSIST IN THE RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS
THAT ARE MADE BY, OR ON BEHALF OF, SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS IN THIS  STATE
AND  THAT  RELATE TO ACTIONS, INACTIONS, OR DECISIONS THAT MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE HOUSING AND RESIDENCY RIGHTS OF SUCH SENIOR CITIZEN  TENANTS,

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD04956-01-9

S. 1556                             2

IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVO-
CATE. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL  BE  CONSTRUED  AS  AUTHORIZING  THE
SENIOR  TENANTS'  ADVOCATE  TO INVESTIGATE FINAL ADMINISTRATIVE DETERMI-
NATIONS  MADE  PURSUANT  TO LAW BY ANY STATE AGENCY, WHERE SUCH DETERMI-
NATION HAS BECOME THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT TO  THE  SENIOR  TENANTS'
ADVOCATE;
  (II)  PROVIDE  SERVICES TO ASSIST SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS IN PROTECTING
THEIR RIGHTS AS TENANTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CONVEYING INFORMA-
TION ABOUT THE INTERESTS OF SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS TO GOVERNMENTAL AGEN-
CIES AND RECOMMENDING APPROPRIATE ADMINISTRATIVE, LEGAL, AND OTHER REME-
DIES TO PROTECT THEIR RESIDENTIAL STATUS;
  (III) INFORM THE SENIOR  CITIZEN  TENANTS  ABOUT  MEANS  OF  OBTAINING
SERVICES  PROVIDED  BY  PUBLIC  HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES, OR OTHER PUBLIC
AGENCIES;
  (IV) ANALYZE AND MONITOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF  FEDER-
AL,  STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS, REGULATIONS, OR POLICIES WITH RESPECT TO THE
ADEQUACY OF HOUSING MATTERS FOR SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS WITHIN THE STATE;
AND
  (V) CARRY OUT SUCH OTHER ACTIVITIES AS THE  SENIOR  TENANTS'  ADVOCATE
DETERMINES  TO BE APPROPRIATE PURSUANT TO PERTINENT STATE LAWS AND REGU-
LATIONS.
  (C) THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE MAY APPOINT ONE  OR  MORE  AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVES  TO  ASSIST THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE IN THE PERFORM-
ANCE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES UNDER THIS SECTION.
  (D) NO SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE, AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE, OR IMMEDI-
ATE FAMILY MEMBER OF SUCH PERSON SHALL:
  (I) HAVE A DIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN THE LICENSING OR CERTIFICATION  OF  A
SENIOR CITIZEN RESIDENTIAL HOUSING FACILITY OR OF A PROVIDER OF RESIDEN-
TIAL HOUSING TO SENIOR CITIZENS;
  (II)  HAVE AN OWNERSHIP OR INVESTMENT INTEREST (REPRESENTED BY EQUITY,
DEBT, OR OTHER FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP) IN  RESIDENTIAL  RENTAL  PROPERTY
PROVIDING HOUSING TO SENIOR CITIZENS;
  (III) BE EMPLOYED BY, OR PARTICIPATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF, RESIDENTIAL
RENTAL PROPERTY;
  (IV)  RECEIVE  REMUNERATION  (IN CASH OR IN KIND) UNDER A COMPENSATION
ARRANGEMENT WITH AN OWNER OR OPERATOR  OF  RESIDENTIAL  RENTAL  PROPERTY
THAT HAS TENANCIES CONSISTING OF ONE OR MORE SENIOR CITIZENS; AND
  (V) BE EMPLOYED BY THE DIVISION OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL.
  (E) THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL ESTABLISH WRITTEN PROCEDURES TO
IDENTIFY  AND  REMOVE  CONFLICTS OF INTEREST SET OUT IN PARAGRAPH (D) OF
THIS SUBDIVISION AND SHALL INCLUDE  ACTIONS  THAT  THE  SENIOR  TENANTS'
ADVOCATE  MAY  REQUIRE HIMSELF OR HERSELF, AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE,
OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER OF EITHER TO TAKE TO REMOVE SUCH CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST.
  (F) THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE DIRECTOR
OF THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING.
  3. REVIEW OF COMPLAINT.  UPON  RECEIPT  OF  A  COMPLAINT,  THE  SENIOR
TENANTS'  ADVOCATE SHALL DETERMINE IMMEDIATELY WHETHER THERE ARE REASON-
ABLE GROUNDS FOR AN INVESTIGATION. SUCH INVESTIGATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED
IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED IN THE REGULATIONS SET FORTH BY THE  DIRECTOR  OF
THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING.  IF THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE OR AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE  DETERMINES THAT THE INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION OF SUCH
COMPLAINT IS MORE SUITABLY HANDLED BY ANOTHER STATE  AGENCY,  THEN  SUCH
SENIOR  TENANTS' ADVOCATE OR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL IMMEDIATELY
FORWARD SUCH COMPLAINT TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY.  THE  SENIOR  TENANTS'

S. 1556                             3

ADVOCATE  SHALL  MAINTAIN A FILE CONCERNING SUCH COMPLAINTS THROUGH SUCH
AGENCY'S COMPLETION OF ACTION THEREON.
  ANY  STATE  AGENCY  RECEIVING A COMPLAINT PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION
SHALL PROVIDE THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE WITH WRITTEN  NOTICE  OF  THE
FINAL DETERMINATION OF OR ACTION UPON SUCH COMPLAINT.
  4. RETALIATORY DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED. NO PERSON SHALL DISCRIMINATE
AGAINST ANY TENANT BECAUSE SUCH TENANT OR ANY PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF
SUCH  TENANT  HAS  BROUGHT  OR CAUSED TO BE BROUGHT ANY COMPLAINT TO THE
SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE FOR INVESTIGATION, OR AGAINST ANY OTHER  PERSON
WHO  HAS  GIVEN  OR  PROVIDED  OR  IS TO GIVE OR PROVIDE ANY STATEMENTS,
TESTIMONY, OTHER EVIDENCE, OR COOPERATION IN CONNECTION  WITH  ANY  SUCH
COMPLAINT.
  5.    REGULATIONS. THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING IS AUTHOR-
IZED TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS  TO  IMPLEMENT  THE  PROVISIONS  OF  THIS
SECTION.
  6.  ANNUAL  REPORT. THE STATE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL SUBMIT AN
ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR, TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, SPEAK-
ER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND THE DIRECTOR, AND MAKE SUCH REPORT AVAILABLE  TO
THE PUBLIC. SUCH REPORT SHALL:
  (A)  DESCRIBE  THE  ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE BUREAU OF THE SENIOR
TENANTS' ADVOCATE DURING THE PRIOR CALENDAR YEAR;
  (B) CONTAIN AND ANALYZE DATA RELATING TO COMPLAINTS  CONCERNING  RESI-
DENTIAL HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFY-
ING AND RESOLVING RECURRING PROBLEMS;
  (C)  EVALUATE  THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY, AND THE COMPLAINTS MADE BY
OR ON BEHALF OF, SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS;
  (D) CONTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR:
  (I) APPROPRIATE STATE LEGISLATION, RULES  AND  REGULATIONS  AND  OTHER
ACTION TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE RIGHTS OF SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS; AND
  (II) IMPROVING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS' RIGHTS, AND
AVAILABILITY  OF  PUBLIC  ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS;
AND
  (E) ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE DETERMINES  TO
BE APPROPRIATE.
  S 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
it  shall  have become a law; provided, however, that any rules or regu-
lations necessary for the timely implementation  of  the  provisions  of
this  act  on  its effective date shall be promulgated on or before such
date.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Elder Law
Laws Affected:: Add §224, Eld L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2011-2012: S303
2013-2014: S263
2015-2016: S258
2017-2018: S4887

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S1556A

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the elder law, in relation to establishing the bureau
of the senior tenants' advocate in the state office for the aging


 PURPOSE :
Establishes the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate in the state
office for the aging that will take in complaints from senior tenants
and refer those complaints to the agency or agencies

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
Amends the elder law by adding a new section 224 for the creation
within the Office for the Aging, a Bureau of the Senior Tenant
Advocate for the purpose of assisting senior citizen tenants in
resolving complaints they may have with the New York State Division of
Housing and Community Renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases and
other housing related matters.

Provides for the governor to appoint a state senior tenants' advocate.

Establishes requirements for the hiring and specifies the duties of
the senior tenants' advocate.

Provides a process for the review of complaints submitted to the

senior tenants' advocate.

Requires the senior tenants' advocate to maintain records as
determined by the office for the aging.

Prohibits retaliatory discrimination against tenants who have brought
any complaint to the state senior tenants' advocate for referral.

Authorizes the director of the state office for the aging to
promulgate regulations to implement these provisions.

Requires the state senior tenants' advocate to submit an annual report
to the governor, temporary president of the Senate, Speaker of the
Assembly and the director of the Office for the Aging, by the State
Senior tenants Advocate.

Specifies that such report will be made available to the public and
include the following: a description of the activities carried out by
the Bureau, analyzed data relating to complaints for the purpose of
identifying and resolving recurring problems, and recommendations for
the creation of appropriate state legislation and other actions to
preserve and promote the rights of senior citizen tenants. The report
will also include recommendations for the improvement of public
awareness of senior citizen tenants rights and availability of public
assistance programs to senior citizen tenants and other matters that
the senior tenants advocate determine to be appropriate.

 JUSTIFICATION :
This legislation will create within the New York State Department for
the Aging, a Bureau, whose sole purpose will be to protect the rights
of senior citizen tenants. The Bureau will also provide a place where
these individuals may submit any housing complaint and obtain
immediate action. The Bureau of the Senior Tenant Advocate will also
ensure that senior citizen tenants are afforded all the necessary
information required to navigate through the New York City's housing
market.

Senior citizens are at a higher risk to become victims of dishonorable
conduct by various housing entities including, but limited to,

landlords and other tenants. This legislation will provide a venue of
protection for these individuals.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
On the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become law.

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 1556--A

                       2009-2010 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                            February 3, 2009
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sens. DIAZ, ADAMS, DILAN, DUANE, HASSELL-THOMPSON, HUNT-
  LEY, KRUEGER, KRUGER, ONORATO,  SAMPSON,  SAVINO  --  read  twice  and
  ordered  printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on
  Aging -- recommitted to the Committee  on  Aging  in  accordance  with
  Senate  Rule  6,  sec. 8 -- reported favorably from said committee and
  committed to the Committee on Finance --  committee  discharged,  bill
  amended,  ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit-
  tee

AN ACT to amend the elder law, in relation to establishing the bureau of
  the senior tenants' advocate in the state office for the aging

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section  1.  The  elder  law is amended by adding a new section 224 to
read as follows:
  S 224. SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE. 1. BUREAU ESTABLISHED. THERE IS HERE-
BY ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING A BUREAU  OF  THE  SENIOR
TENANTS' ADVOCATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING SENIOR TENANTS IN RESOLV-
ING COMPLAINTS THEY MAY HAVE WITH THE NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF HOUSING
AND  COMMUNITY  RENEWAL,  LANDLORD  DISPUTES,  RENT INCREASES, AND OTHER
HOUSING RELATED MATTERS.
  2. APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE. THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT
A STATE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE TO ADMINISTER AND SUPERVISE THE  BUREAU
OF THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE. THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL:
  (A) BE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING;
  (B)  BE  SELECTED FROM AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
IN LANDLORD AND TENANT LAW AND WITH OTHER QUALIFICATIONS APPROPRIATE FOR
THE POSITION;
  (C) HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT ONE  OR  MORE  AUTHORIZED  REPRESEN-
TATIVES TO ASSIST THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS
OR  HER  DUTIES UNDER THIS SECTION AND, IF NECESSARY, PERFORM THE DUTIES
OF THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE ON HIS OR HER BEHALF; AND

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD04956-03-0

S. 1556--A                          2

  (D) REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING.
  3.  DUTIES OF THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE.  THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVO-
CATE SHALL:
  (A) IDENTIFY AND ASSIST IN THE RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS THAT ARE  MADE
BY,  OR  ON  BEHALF  OF, SENIOR TENANTS IN THIS STATE AND THAT RELATE TO
ACTIONS, INACTIONS, OR DECISIONS THAT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT  THE  HOUSING
AND  RESIDENCY  RIGHTS OF SUCH SENIOR TENANTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROCE-
DURES ESTABLISHED BY THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE BY MAKING REFERRALS TO
THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY OR AGENCIES THAT MAY BEST ADDRESS THE  COMPLAINTS
OF THE SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS;
  (B)  PROVIDE  INFORMATION  REGARDING  PROGRAMS  AND  AGENCIES THAT CAN
ASSIST SENIOR TENANTS IN RESOLVING THEIR COMPLAINTS;
  (C) ANALYZE AND MONITOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL,
STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS, REGULATIONS, OR  POLICIES  WITH  RESPECT  TO  THE
ADEQUACY OF HOUSING MATTERS FOR SENIOR TENANTS WITHIN THE STATE; AND
  (D)  CARRY  OUT  SUCH OTHER ACTIVITIES AS THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE
DETERMINES TO BE APPROPRIATE PURSUANT TO PERTINENT STATE LAWS AND  REGU-
LATIONS.
  4.  REVIEW  OF  COMPLAINT.  UPON  RECEIPT  OF  A COMPLAINT, THE SENIOR
TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL DETERMINE IMMEDIATELY WHICH AGENCY WOULD BE MOST
APPROPRIATE FOR THE PURPOSES OF FORWARDING SUCH  COMPLAINT.  THE  SENIOR
TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL THEN FORWARD THE COMPLAINT AND INFORM THE TENANT
MAKING THE COMPLAINT WHERE HIS OR HER COMPLAINT WAS FORWARDED.
  5.  RECORDS.  THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL MAINTAIN SUCH RECORDS
AS ARE DETERMINED NECESSARY BY THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING. ANY STATE AGEN-
CY RECEIVING A COMPLAINT PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL PROVIDE  THE
SENIOR  TENANTS'  ADVOCATE  WITH  WRITTEN  NOTICE OF THE RECEIPT OF SUCH
COMPLAINT.
  6. RETALIATORY DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED. NO PERSON SHALL DISCRIMINATE
AGAINST ANY TENANT BECAUSE SUCH TENANT, OR ANY PERSON ACTING  ON  BEHALF
OF SUCH TENANT, HAS BROUGHT OR CAUSED TO BE BROUGHT ANY COMPLAINT TO THE
SENIOR  TENANTS'  ADVOCATE FOR REFERRAL, OR AGAINST ANY OTHER PERSON WHO
HAS GIVEN OR PROVIDED OR IS TO GIVE OR PROVIDE ANY STATEMENTS,  TESTIMO-
NY,   OTHER  EVIDENCE,  OR  COOPERATION  IN  CONNECTION  WITH  ANY  SUCH
COMPLAINT.
  7. REGULATIONS. THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING IS AUTHORIZED
TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
  8. ANNUAL REPORT. THE STATE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE SHALL  SUBMIT  AN
ANNUAL  REPORT  TO  THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,
THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND THE  DIRECTOR,  AND  MAKE  SUCH  REPORT
AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. SUCH REPORT SHALL:
  (A)  DESCRIBE  THE  ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE BUREAU OF THE SENIOR
TENANTS' ADVOCATE DURING THE PRIOR CALENDAR YEAR;
  (B) CONTAIN AND ANALYZE DATA RELATING TO COMPLAINTS  CONCERNING  RESI-
DENTIAL HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFY-
ING AND RESOLVING RECURRING PROBLEMS;
  (C)  EVALUATE  THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY, AND THE COMPLAINTS MADE BY
OR ON BEHALF OF, SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS;
  (D) CONTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR:
  (I) APPROPRIATE STATE LEGISLATION, RULES  AND  REGULATIONS  AND  OTHER
ACTION TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE RIGHTS OF SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS; AND
  (II) IMPROVING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS' RIGHTS, AND
AVAILABILITY  OF  PUBLIC  ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO SENIOR CITIZEN TENANTS;
AND
  (E) ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT THE SENIOR TENANTS' ADVOCATE DETERMINES  TO
BE APPROPRIATE.

S. 1556--A                          3

  S 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
it  shall  have become a law; provided, however, that any rules or regu-
lations necessary for the timely implementation  of  the  provisions  of
this  act  on  its effective date shall be promulgated on or before such
date.

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Senate Bill S1556

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Jan 25, 2010 - Aging Committee Vote

Aging Committee Vote: Jan 25, 2010

Feb 9, 2009 - Aging Committee Vote

Aging Committee Vote: Feb 9, 2009

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2009-S1556 - Details

2009-S1556 - Summary

2009-S1556 - Sponsor Memo

2009-S1556 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Details

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

Senate Bill S1556

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Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2009-S1556 - Details

2009-S1556 - Summary

2009-S1556 - Sponsor Memo

2009-S1556 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Details

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2009-S1556A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments