Assembly Bill A10991

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   10991
 
                           I N  A S S E M B L Y
 
                              April 14, 2026
                                ___________
 
 Introduced by M. of A. ROMERO -- read once and referred to the Committee
   on Housing
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  real  property law, in relation to establishing
   tenant unions and the statewide tenant association; and to  amend  the
   state  finance  law,  in relation to establishing the statewide tenant
   association fund; and making an appropriation therefor

   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  The  real property law is amended by adding a new article
 7-B to read as follows:
                                ARTICLE 7-B
                             TENANT POWER ACT
 SECTION 239-H. SHORT TITLE.
         239-I. DEFINITIONS.
         239-J. TENANT  UNIONS  AND  TENANT  BARGAINING  REPRESENTATIVES;
                  RECOGNITION, ACTIVITIES, POWERS, AND MEMBER RIGHTS.
         239-K. STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION.
         239-L. RELATIONSHIP  TO  REAL  PROPERTY  ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
                  LAW.
         239-M. ENFORCEMENT.
   § 239-H. SHORT TITLE. THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED  AS
 THE "TENANT POWER ACT".
   §  239-I.  DEFINITIONS.  AS  USED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE FOLLOWING TERMS
 SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANINGS:
   1. "CONFER IN GOOD FAITH" MEANS TO  MEET  AND  DISCUSS  ANY  ISSUE  OF
 COMMON  CONCERN.  CONFERRING  IN GOOD FAITH INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED
 TO, MAINTAINING A DESIGNATED  POINT  OF  CONTACT,  ENGAGING  IN  REGULAR
 COMMUNICATIONS,  RESPONDING  TO  REASONABLE  REQUESTS  FOR  INFORMATION,
 ALLOWING PARTICIPATION BY NON-RESIDENT ADVOCATES,  AND  NEGOTIATING  AND
 PUTTING AGREEMENTS INTO WRITING.
   2.  "ISSUES  OF COMMON CONCERN" ARE TOPICS WITH RESPECT TO WHICH LAND-
 LORDS AND TENANT UNIONS SHALL CONFER IN GOOD  FAITH.  ISSUES  OF  COMMON
 CONCERN  INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, RENT, SECURITY DEPOSITS, LEASE
 TERMS AND DURATION, HOUSING CONDITIONS, HEALTH ISSUES, PRIVACY  MATTERS,
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
              

                                                            LBD15155-02-6
 A. 10991                            2
 
 COMMUNITY  LIFE,  LANDLORD-TENANT  RELATIONS, AND OTHER ISSUES OF COMMON
 INTEREST OR CONCERN.
   3.  "LANDLORD"  MEANS THE OWNER, LESSOR, OR SUBLESSOR OF A RESIDENTIAL
 BUILDING, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TENANTS WHO ARE ALSO COOPERATIVE OWNERS.
 LANDLORD INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED  TO,  INDIVIDUAL  PERSONS,  CORPO-
 RATIONS,  INVESTOR-OWNERS,  AND  OWNERS  OF  ANY  PROPERTY INTEREST IN A
 BUILDING.
   4. "MAJOR DECISION" MEANS ANY ACTUAL OR PROJECTED SALE,  TRANSFER,  OR
 CONVERSION OF A PROPERTY, ANY PROJECTED RENT INCREASE, AND ANY ACTUAL OR
 PROJECTED SIGNIFICANT ALTERATION OF THE PREMISES OR SERVICES.
   5.  "RECORDS"  MEANS DOCUMENTS AND OTHER MATERIALS CONTAINING INFORMA-
 TION ABOUT A LANDLORD'S OPERATIONS. RECORDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
 TO, DOCUMENTS AND OTHER MATERIALS DISCUSSING A  LANDLORD'S  RENT  ROLLS,
 PROPERTIES  OWNED,  NAMES OF INDIVIDUAL PRINCIPALS, OPERATING INCOME AND
 EXPENSES, DEBT SERVICE AND LOAN  TERMS,  AND  ASSESSED  AND  OUTSTANDING
 TAXES,  PENALTIES,  FINES  AND  FEES, TENANT COMPLAINTS, TENANT COMMUNI-
 CATIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERACTIONS WITH TENANTS.
   6. "SUBJECT PREMISES" MEANS ANY BUILDING, STRUCTURE, OR PART  THEREOF,
 OR  LAND  APPURTENANT  THERETO,  OR  ANY OTHER REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY
 RENTED OR OFFERED FOR RENT FOR LIVING OR DWELLING PURPOSES OR USED AS  A
 SLEEPING  SPACE  FOR ONE OR MORE PERSONS. SUBJECT PREMISES INCLUDES, BUT
 IS NOT LIMITED TO, HOUSES, APARTMENTS, HOTELS, ROOMING OR BOARDING HOUSE
 ACCOMMODATIONS, VEHICLES, MOBILE HOMES, TRAILERS, TRAILER PARKS,  TENTS,
 AND  ANY OTHER PROPERTIES SO USED. STATUS AS A SUBJECT PREMISES PURSUANT
 TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT DEPEND ON SIZE, LEGAL STATUS, COMPLIANCE  WITH
 LOCAL,  STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW, NUMBER OF UNITS, OR THE FORM OR FORMALITY
 OF THE LEASE, BUT RATHER ON  THE  PARTIES'  ENTERING  INTO  THE  TENANCY
 AGREEMENT WITH THE INTENT THAT THE TENANT SHALL RESIDE WITHIN THE DWELL-
 ING IN EXCHANGE FOR ANY FORM OF CONSIDERATION.
   7.  "TENANT"  MEANS A PERSON OCCUPYING OR ENTITLED TO OCCUPY A SUBJECT
 PREMISES WHO IS EITHER A PARTY TO THE LEASE OR RENTAL AGREEMENT FOR SUCH
 PREMISES OR IS A STATUTORY TENANT PURSUANT TO THE EMERGENCY HOUSING RENT
 CONTROL LAW, OR THE CITY RENT AND REHABILITATION LAW, OR ARTICLE SEVEN-C
 OF THE MULTIPLE DWELLING LAW.
   8. "TENANT BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVE"  MEANS  AN  INDIVIDUAL,  AGENCY,
 COMMITTEE  OR  ORGANIZATION  THAT EXISTS FOR THE PURPOSE, IN WHOLE OR IN
 PART, OF REPRESENTING TENANTS IN DEALING OR NEGOTIATING  WITH  LANDLORDS
 OVER  THE  TERMS  AND  CONDITIONS  OF  THEIR RESIDENTIAL LIVES. A TENANT
 BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVE MAY, BUT NEED NOT, BE A  MEMBER  OF  A  TENANT
 UNION  AND  MAY,  BUT  NEED  NOT, RESIDE IN THE SUBJECT PREMISES. TENANT
 BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVES SHALL BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATEWIDE TENANT
 ASSOCIATION.
   9. "TENANT ORGANIZATION" MEANS ANY ORGANIZATION THAT EXISTS, IN  WHOLE
 OR  IN PART, TO EDUCATE, ORGANIZE, SERVE OR OTHERWISE SUPPORT TENANTS IN
 ORDER TO SECURE SAFE, HEALTHY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE STATE.
   10. "TENANT UNION" MEANS ANY ORGANIZATION OF TENANTS THAT REPRESENTS A
 MAJORITY OF OCCUPIED UNITS IN A SUBJECT PREMISES, AND WHICH  EXISTS  FOR
 THE  PURPOSE,  IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OF DEALING WITH LANDLORDS CONCERNING
 ISSUES OF COMMON CONCERN, AS DEFINED IN THIS  SECTION.  A  TENANT  UNION
 SHALL  HAVE  AND MAINTAIN A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION OR BYLAWS REGISTERED
 WITH THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION. A TENANT  UNION  SHALL  ADMIT  TO
 MEMBERSHIP  ON  A  NON-DISCRIMINATORY  BASIS  ANY TENANT OF SUCH SUBJECT
 PREMISES WHO IS SINCERELY COMMITTED TO TENANTS'  INTERESTS,  NEEDS,  AND
 RIGHTS.  NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, TENANT UNIONS SHALL EXCLUDE FROM
 MEMBERSHIP ANY INDIVIDUALS ACTING AS AN AGENT FOR, OR IN COORDINATION OR
 COLLUSION WITH, ANY LANDLORD, RESIDENTIAL OWNER, DEVELOPER OR MANAGEMENT
 A. 10991                            3

 COMPANY, AND NO TENANT UNION SHALL RECEIVE FUNDS OR  ANYTHING  OF  VALUE
 FROM  SUCH  SOURCES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT A TENANT UNION MAY ADMIT TO
 MEMBERSHIP AND RECEIVE FINANCIAL OR OTHER SUPPORT  FROM  INDIVIDUALS  OR
 ENTITIES  ACTING  AS OWNERS, LANDLORDS, OR DEVELOPERS IN CONNECTION WITH
 BONA FIDE EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH TENANT LED, NON-PROFIT, LOW-INCOME  HOUS-
 ING.  TENANT  UNIONS  SHALL NOT ACT IN COORDINATION WITH OR AS AGENTS OF
 THE LANDLORD. MEMBERSHIP IN A TENANT UNION SHALL BE  CONSIDERED  PARTIC-
 IPATION  IN  THE ACTIVITIES OF A TENANT'S ORGANIZATION FOR ANTI-RETALIA-
 TION PURPOSES PURSUANT TO SECTION TWO  HUNDRED  TWENTY-THREE-B  OF  THIS
 CHAPTER.
   11. "STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION" MEANS THE PUBLIC ENTITY ESTABLISHED
 PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-K OF THIS ARTICLE THAT IS
 COMPRISED OF TENANT UNIONS, INDIVIDUAL  TENANTS,  AND  TENANT  ORGANIZA-
 TIONS,  AND  EXISTS  FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TECHNICAL AND MATERIAL
 SUPPORT FOR TENANT ORGANIZING PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.
   § 239-J. TENANT UNIONS AND TENANT BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVES; RECOGNI-
 TION, ACTIVITIES, POWERS, AND MEMBER RIGHTS. 1.  TENANTS  OF  A  SUBJECT
 PREMISES WITH TWO OR MORE UNITS MAY ESTABLISH A TENANT UNION BY FILING A
 PETITION SIGNED BY TENANTS REPRESENTING A MAJORITY OF THE OCCUPIED UNITS
 OF  THE  SUBJECT  PREMISES WITH THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION AND THE
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
   (A) FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, A PETITION MAY CONSIST OF  A  SINGLE
 DOCUMENT,  A  COLLECTION  OF  INDIVIDUAL  WRITTEN  STATEMENTS  SIGNED BY
 TENANTS, OR SOME COMBINATION OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE WRITTEN STATE-
 MENTS.
   (B) EACH PETITION SHALL INCLUDE A  SWORN  STATEMENT  THAT  THE  TENANT
 UNION  IS  NOT  BEING  CREATED  IN COORDINATION WITH THE LANDLORD OF THE
 SUBJECT PREMISES AND THAT THE TENANT UNION WILL NOT ACT AS AN  AGENT  OF
 SUCH LANDLORD.
   (C)  A  TENANT  UNION  SHALL MAINTAIN COPIES OF ALL PETITIONS AND FILE
 SUCH PETITIONS WITH THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION AND THE  DEPARTMENT
 OF  STATE.  UPON FILING SUCH PETITIONS, A TENANT UNION SHALL BE DEEMED A
 MEMBER OF THE STATEWIDE TENANT  ASSOCIATION  AND  THE  LANDLORD  OF  THE
 SUBJECT  PREMISES  OF  THE  TENANT  UNION  SHALL BE REQUIRED TO MEET AND
 CONFER WITH THE DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TENANT  UNION  PURSUANT
 TO SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION.
   2.  WITHIN  THIRTY DAYS OF FILING A PETITION WITH THE STATEWIDE TENANT
 ASSOCIATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION  ONE  OF
 THIS  SECTION,  A TENANT UNION SHALL BEGIN TO HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS OPEN
 TO ALL RESIDENTS OF THE SUBJECT PREMISES.
   3. LANDLORDS SHALL MEET AND CONFER IN GOOD FAITH  WITH  TENANT  UNIONS
 THAT  FILE  WITH  THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF
 STATE PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION  REGARDING  ISSUES  OF
 COMMON CONCERN.
   (A)  UPON  THE  WRITTEN REQUEST OF A TENANT UNION, THE LANDLORD OF THE
 SUBJECT PREMISES, OR A REPRESENTATIVE AUTHORIZED BY THE LANDLORD TO  ACT
 ON THE LANDLORD'S BEHALF, SHALL ATTEND AT LEAST ONE TENANT UNION MEETING
 PER  CALENDAR  QUARTER; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT A LANDLORD, OR THE LAND-
 LORD'S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE, MAY ATTEND MEETINGS MORE FREQUENTLY AT
 THE REQUEST OR UPON THE APPROVAL OF THE TENANT UNION.
   (B) MEETINGS BETWEEN A TENANT UNION AND THE LANDLORD  OF  THE  SUBJECT
 PREMISES SHALL OCCUR AT A MUTUALLY CONVENIENT TIME AND PLACE. TO REQUEST
 THAT  A  LANDLORD, OR THE LANDLORD'S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE, ATTEND A
 MEETING, THE TENANT UNION SHALL SEND THE LANDLORD A WRITTEN  REQUEST  AT
 LEAST  FOURTEEN DAYS IN ADVANCE OF SUCH MEETING; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT
 IF THE TENANT UNION MEETS AT A REGULARLY SCHEDULED TIME AND PLACE,  THEN
 A. 10991                            4
 
 THE  TENANT  UNION  MAY  SEND  THE LANDLORD A SINGLE STANDING REQUEST TO
 ATTEND MEETINGS FOR THE DURATION OF THE CALENDAR YEAR.
   (C) APART FROM MEETINGS BETWEEN A TENANT UNION AND THE LANDLORD OF THE
 SUBJECT  PREMISES  PURSUANT  TO THIS SUBDIVISION, LANDLORDS, RESIDENTIAL
 OWNERS, DEVELOPERS OR MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, OR THEIR AGENTS,  SHALL  NOT
 PARTICIPATE  IN OR INFLUENCE THE ACTIVITIES OF A TENANT UNION, INCLUDING
 BUT NOT LIMITED TO JOINING OR CAUSING OTHERS TO  JOIN  A  TENANT  UNION,
 ATTENDING  OR  CAUSING  OTHERS  TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF A TENANT UNION, OR
 GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT INTERNAL TENANT UNION MATTERS  AND  DELIBER-
 ATIONS.
   4.  LANDLORDS SHALL POST A NOTICE ADVISING TENANTS OF THEIR RIGHTS AND
 THE LANDLORD'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS  ARTICLE.  SUCH  NOTICE  SHALL  BE
 POSTED  IN PUBLIC AREAS OF SUBJECT PREMISES THAT HAVE A TENANT UNION AND
 SHALL INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION.
   5. A TENANT OF A SUBJECT PREMISES THAT HAS A TENANT UNION MAY, AT  ANY
 TIME,  BRING  ANY ISSUE DIRECTLY TO THE LANDLORD OF THE SUBJECT PREMISES
 SEPARATELY AND OUTSIDE OF THE TENANT UNION. A LANDLORD MAY NOT REFUSE TO
 MEET AND CONFER WITH A TENANT INDIVIDUALLY DUE TO  THE  EXISTENCE  OF  A
 TENANT  UNION AT THE SUBJECT PREMISES OR THE TENANT'S MEMBERSHIP IN SUCH
 A TENANT UNION. REFUSAL BY A LANDLORD OF A SUBJECT PREMISES TO MEET  AND
 CONFER  WITH  A TENANT FOR SUCH REASONS SHALL CONSTITUTE A BREACH OF THE
 DUTY TO CONFER IN GOOD FAITH.
   6. A TENANT UNION ESTABLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH  THIS  SECTION  SHALL
 REMAIN OPERATIVE SO LONG AS:
   (A)  EVERY  FOUR  YEARS  FROM  THE DATE OF THE INITIAL FILING WITH THE
 STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION AND THE DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE,  THE  TENANT
 UNION  FILES A RECERTIFICATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE STATING THAT
 THE TENANT UNION CONTINUES TO REPRESENT A MAJORITY OF THE OCCUPIED UNITS
 IN THE SUBJECT PREMISES; AND
   (B) THE TENANT UNION HAS NOT BEEN DISSOLVED BY A FILING  SIGNED  BY  A
 MAJORITY OF THE TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT PREMISES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT
 A FILING TO DISSOLVE A TENANT UNION SHALL INCLUDE A SWORN STATEMENT THAT
 NONE OF THE TENANTS IS ACTING IN COORDINATION WITH OR AS AN AGENT OF THE
 LANDLORD.
   7.  A  TENANT  UNION ESTABLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION SHALL
 HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS:
   (A) TO ELECT AND CHANGE ITS OWN LEADERSHIP ON A PREDICTABLE SCHEDULE.
   (B) TO WRITE ITS OWN DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS, PROVIDED THAT
 SUCH CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS ARE REGISTERED WITH  THE  STATEWIDE  TENANT
 ASSOCIATION. A TENANT UNION SHALL ADMIT TO MEMBERSHIP ON A NON-DISCRIMI-
 NATORY  BASIS  ANY  TENANT  OF THE SUBJECT PREMISES WHO IS NOT ACTING IN
 COORDINATION WITH OR AS AN AGENT OF THE LANDLORD OF  THE  SUBJECT  PREM-
 ISES. TENANT UNIONS SHALL EXCLUDE FROM MEMBERSHIP ANY INDIVIDUALS ACTING
 AS  AN  AGENT  FOR,  OR IN COORDINATION OR COLLUSION WITH, ANY LANDLORD,
 RESIDENTIAL OWNER, DEVELOPER OR MANAGEMENT COMPANY, AND NO TENANT  UNION
 SHALL  RECEIVE  FUNDS  OR ANYTHING OF VALUE FROM SUCH SOURCES; PROVIDED,
 HOWEVER, THAT A TENANT UNION MAY ADMIT TO MEMBERSHIP AND RECEIVE  FINAN-
 CIAL  OR  OTHER  SUPPORT  FROM INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES ACTING AS OWNERS,
 LANDLORDS, OR DEVELOPERS IN CONNECTION WITH BONA FIDE EFFORTS TO  ESTAB-
 LISH  TENANT  LED,  NON-PROFIT,  LOW-INCOME  HOUSING  PROVIDED THAT SUCH
 MEMBERSHIP IS APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF THE TENANT UNION  AND
 THAT  THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE TENANT UNION ARE AMENDABLE BY A
 VOTE OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE TENANT  UNION  IN  WHICH  THE  THRESHOLD  FOR
 APPROVAL  IS, AT MINIMUM, A MAJORITY VOTE AND, AT MAXIMUM, TWO-THIRDS OF
 VOTING MEMBERS.
 A. 10991                            5
 
   (C) TO COLLECT DUES FOR THE TENANTS THAT THE TENANT  UNION  REPRESENTS
 TO FUND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF TENANT POWER.
   (D) TO AFFILIATE WITH TENANT UNION LOCALS AND/OR AFFILIATE WITH TENANT
 ORGANIZATIONS.
   (E)  TO COLLECT INFORMATION FROM LANDLORDS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
 TO: (I) RENT ROLLS; (II) A LIST OF  PROPERTIES  OWNED;  (III)  NAMES  OF
 INDIVIDUAL  PRINCIPALS;  (IV)  OPERATING  INCOME  AND EXPENSES; (V) DEBT
 SERVICE AND LOAN TERMS; AND (VI) ASSESSED AND OUTSTANDING TAXES,  PENAL-
 TIES, FINES AND FEES.
   (F)  TO  SELECT  A TENANT BARGAINING REPRESENTATIVE TO MEET AND CONFER
 WITH THE LANDLORD ON ISSUES OF COMMON CONCERN.
   8. ANY MEMBER OF A TENANT UNION SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT:
   (A) TO MEET AND ASSEMBLE FREELY WITH OTHER MEMBERS;
   (B) TO EXPRESS ANY VIEWS, ARGUMENTS, OR OPINIONS;
   (C) TO EXPRESS AT MEETINGS OF THE TENANT UNION THEIR VIEWS  OF  CANDI-
 DATES  IN  AN ELECTION OF THE TENANT UNION OR UPON ANY BUSINESS PROPERLY
 BEFORE THE MEETING,  SUBJECT  TO  THE  TENANT  UNION'S  ESTABLISHED  AND
 REASONABLE RULES PERTAINING TO THE CONDUCT OF MEETINGS: PROVIDED, HOWEV-
 ER,  THAT THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPAIR THE RIGHT OF
 A TENANT UNION TO ADOPT AND ENFORCE REASONABLE RULES AS TO THE RESPONSI-
 BILITY OF EVERY MEMBER TOWARD THE TENANT UNION AND TO  THEIR  REFRAINING
 FROM  CONDUCT  THAT WOULD INTERFERE WITH ITS PERFORMANCE OF ITS LEGAL OR
 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS;
   (D) TO ENJOY EQUAL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES WITHIN THE  TENANT  UNION  TO
 NOMINATE  CANDIDATES,  TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS OR REFERENDUMS OF THE TENANT
 UNION, TO ATTEND MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS, AND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DELIBER-
 ATIONS AND VOTING UPON THE BUSINESS OF SUCH MEETINGS, SUBJECT TO REASON-
 ABLE RULES AND REGULATIONS  IN  SUCH  TENANT  UNION'S  CONSTITUTION  AND
 BYLAWS;
   (E)  TO PURSUE A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION, EITHER IN COURT OR BEFORE AN
 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY, TO: (I) ENFORCE  APPLICABLE  HOUSING  CODE;  (II)
 MAKE  ANY  OTHER  COGNIZABLE  CLAIM  AGAINST THE LANDLORD OF THE SUBJECT
 PREMISES; OR (III) TO MAKE A COGNIZABLE CLAIM AGAINST THE TENANT  UNION;
 AND
   (F)  TO  RECEIVE,  UPON  REQUEST, INFORMATION FROM THE LANDLORD OF THE
 SUBJECT PREMISES RELEVANT TO GOOD-FAITH CONSULTATION ON ISSUES OF COMMON
 CONCERN, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (I) RENT ROLLS; (II) OTHER PROP-
 ERTIES OWNED BY THE LANDLORD; (III) NAMES OF INDIVIDUAL PRINCIPALS; (IV)
 OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES; (V) DEBT SERVICE AND LOAN TERMS; AND (VI)
 ASSESSED AND OUTSTANDING TAXES, PENALTIES, FINES, AND FEES.
   9. THE LANDLORD OF SUBJECT PREMISES WHICH HAS  A  TENANT  UNION  SHALL
 PROVIDE AT LEAST THREE MONTHS' ADVANCE NOTICE TO THE TENANT UNION OF ANY
 MAJOR  DECISION, AS DEFINED IN SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-I OF THIS
 ARTICLE,  AFFECTING  TENANTS  OF  THE  SUBJECT  PREMISES.  EXCEPT  UNDER
 EXTRAORDINARY  CIRCUMSTANCES AND FOR CAUSE SHOWN, A COURT SHALL ISSUE AN
 INJUNCTION TO ENJOIN A LANDLORD FROM EFFECTUATING  ANY  MAJOR  DECISIONS
 DURING  THE  THREE-MONTH  ADVANCE NOTICE PERIOD. DURING SUCH THREE-MONTH
 PERIOD, THE TENANT UNION OR THE LANDLORD MAY REQUEST TO  MEET  WITH  THE
 OTHER  PARTY TO NEGOTIATE PROCEDURES AND TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES TO AND
 EFFECTS OF THE MAJOR DECISION. NO TENANT SHALL BE EVICTED DUE TO A MAJOR
 DECISION FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST SIX MONTHS FROM THE  DATE  NOTICE  WAS
 PROVIDED  TO THE TENANT UNION PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION, EXCEPT UNDER
 EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
   10. ONCE A TENANT UNION HAS FILED WITH THE  STATEWIDE  TENANT  ASSOCI-
 ATION  AND  THE  DEPARTMENT OF STATE PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS
 SECTION, IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR A LANDLORD TO: (I) REFUSE TO CONFER IN
 A. 10991                            6
 
 GOOD FAITH; (II) DO SO IN BAD FAITH OR IN A SURFACE MANNER  INTENDED  TO
 OR  EFFECTIVELY  PREVENTING  THE  ABILITY TO CONFER IN GOOD FAITH; (III)
 REFUSE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THIS  SECTION;  OR
 (IV)  ENGAGE  IN  RETALIATORY  OR  DISCRIMINATORY BEHAVIOR AFFECTING THE
 ABILITY OF ANY PARTY TO CONFER IN GOOD FAITH. THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSO-
 CIATION SHALL RECEIVE AND KEEP RECORDS OF COMPLAINTS  OF  VIOLATIONS  OF
 THIS SECTION.
   11.  WHENEVER  A  CHANGE  OF  OWNERSHIP OCCURS WITH RESPECT TO SUBJECT
 PREMISES WHERE THERE IS A TENANT UNION, THE NEW OWNER  SHALL  ASSUME  BY
 OPERATION OF LAW ALL OF THE DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF
 THE  PRECEDING  OWNER  WITH  REGARDS  TO THE TENANT UNION, INCLUDING ANY
 DUTIES,  OBLIGATIONS,  AND  RESPONSIBILITIES  CONTAINED  IN   AGREEMENTS
 ENTERED  INTO  BY  THE  PRECEDING OWNER AFFECTING TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT
 PREMISES.
   12. ONCE A TENANT UNION HAS FILED WITH THE  STATEWIDE  TENANT  ASSOCI-
 ATION  AND  THE  DEPARTMENT OF STATE PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS
 SECTION, THE LANDLORD OF THE SUBJECT PREMISES OF THE TENANT UNION  SHALL
 NOTIFY  THE  TENANT  UNION  OF  THE  LANDLORD'S INTENT TO FILE A SUMMARY
 EVICTION PROCEEDING AGAINST ANY TENANT OF THE SUBJECT PREMISES AT  LEAST
 TWENTY  DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF SUCH SUMMARY EVICTION PROCEED-
 ING, UNLESS SUCH PROCEEDING IS BASED ON AN ALLEGATION OF NUISANCE.
   13. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY SERVING AS THE TENANT  BARGAINING  REPRE-
 SENTATIVE  FOR  A  TENANT UNION WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF SUCH TENANT UNION
 SHALL BE ENTITLED TO ALL OF THE RIGHTS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION EIGHT  OF
 THIS SECTION.
   §  239-K. STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION. 1. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED
 A STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION WHICH SHALL BE  COMPRISED  OF  INDIVIDUAL
 TENANTS, TENANT UNIONS, AND TENANT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE STATE.
   2.  THE  STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION SHALL CONFER MEMBERSHIP UPON ANY
 TENANT UNION THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  SUBDIVISION
 ONE  OF SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE AND UPON EVERY
 RESIDENTIAL TENANT IN THE STATE, UNLESS SUCH TENANT DECLINES  MEMBERSHIP
 BY  FILING  A  REQUEST  TO  DECLINE MEMBERSHIP WITH THE STATEWIDE TENANT
 ASSOCIATION.
   3. THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY  A  BOARD  OF
 DIRECTORS  THAT  SHALL  CONSIST  OF  FIFTEEN  MEMBERS,  WHICH  SHALL  BE
 GEOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSE, WITH NO FEWER THAN FIVE MEMBERS FROM OUTSIDE  OF
 NEW YORK CITY. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL BE APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:
   (A) FOUR MEMBERS SHALL BE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE TENANT-MEMBERS OF TENANT
 UNIONS,  TWO  OF  WHOM  SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, ONE OF WHOM
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND ONE OF WHOM SHALL
 BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;
   (B) SIX MEMBERS SHALL BE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE REPRESENTATIVES OF TENANT
 ADVOCACY, ORGANIZING AND LEGAL SERVICES  ORGANIZATIONS,  THREE  OF  WHOM
 SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND THREE OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED
 BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY; PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  THAT  ONE  OF  WHOM
 SHALL  BE  A  REPRESENTATIVE  OF A TENANT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION, FOUR OF
 WHOM SHALL BE REPRESENTATIVES OF TENANT ORGANIZATIONS, AND ONE  OF  WHOM
 SHALL  BE  A REPRESENTATIVE OF A LEGAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCED
 WITH TENANT ISSUES; AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT FIVE OF SUCH MEMBERS SHALL
 BE REPRESENTATIVES OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE AN  ANNUAL  BUDGET  OF  NO
 LESS THAN ONE MILLION DOLLARS AND MEMBERSHIP BASES OF NO FEWER THAN FIVE
 THOUSAND MEMBERS AND ONE OF SUCH MEMBERS SHALL REPRESENT AN ORGANIZATION
 WITH  A  BUDGET  OF  LESS THAN ONE MILLION DOLLARS AND WITH A MEMBERSHIP
 BASE OF NO FEWER THAN ONE THOUSAND MEMBERS;
 A. 10991                            7
 
   (C) TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE INDIVIDUALS WITH AT LEAST FIVE YEARS' EXPERI-
 ENCE AS A POLICY SPECIALIST WITH A FOCUS ON PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE
 INTERESTS OF LOW-INCOME TENANTS, BOTH OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY  THE
 TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;
   (D)  ONE MEMBER SHALL BE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH AT LEAST FIVE YEARS' EXPE-
 RIENCE AS A TENANTS' RIGHTS ATTORNEY AND SHALL HAVE AT LEAST TWO  YEARS'
 EXPERIENCE  WORKING  IN  PARTNERSHIP WITH HOUSING RIGHTS ORGANIZERS, WHO
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;
   (E) ONE MEMBER SHALL BE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH AT LEAST FIVE YEARS'  EXPE-
 RIENCE  AS  AN UNHOUSED PEOPLE'S ORGANIZER OR ADVOCATE WITH AT LEAST TWO
 YEARS' EXPERIENCE WORKING ON STATE AND/OR FEDERAL  HOUSING  ISSUES,  WHO
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR; AND
   (F)  ONE MEMBER SHALL BE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH AT LEAST FIVE YEARS' EXPE-
 RIENCE AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC SECTOR LABOR  OR  SERVICE  UNION,
 WHO SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
   4.  MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL CONTINUE AS MEMBERS OF THE
 BOARD UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS ARE APPOINTED AND HAVE  QUALIFIED.  OF  THE
 MEMBERS  OF  THE  BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE SEVEN MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE
 GOVERNOR SHALL SERVE INITIAL TERMS OF FOUR YEARS,  WHILE  THE  REMAINING
 MEMBERS SHALL SERVE INITIAL TERMS OF THREE YEARS.
   5.  VACANCIES  SHALL  BE  FILLED  IN  THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR ORIGINAL
 APPOINTMENTS. MEMBERS SHALL NOT BE REMOVED  DURING  THEIR  TERM  WITHOUT
 WRITTEN CHARGES AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.
   6.  THE  MEMBERS  OF THE BOARD SHALL DESIGNATE A CHAIR FROM AMONG SUCH
 MEMBERS. THE CHAIR SHALL PRESIDE OVER MEETINGS OF THE  BOARD  AND  SHALL
 SERVE  AS  THE  PRIMARY  LIAISON  BETWEEN  THE BOARD AND THE REST OF THE
 MEMBERS. A VICE-CHAIR MAY BE ELECTED BY THE BOARD FROM AMONG  ITS  OTHER
 MEMBERS  TO  SERVE  AS SUCH AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD. THE VICE-CHAIR
 SHALL PRESIDE OVER ALL MEETINGS OF THE BOARD IN THE ABSENCE OF THE CHAIR
 AND SHALL HAVE SUCH OTHER DUTIES AS THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION MAY
 PRESCRIBE.
   7. THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL RECEIVE NO  COMPENSATION  FOR  THEIR
 SERVICES BUT SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES
 INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES.
   8.  THE  BOARD  OF DIRECTORS OF THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION SHALL
 HAVE THE POWER TO:
   (A) ESTABLISH BYLAWS FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND REGULATION OF ITS  AFFAIRS
 AND TO ENFORCE THE TERMS OF SUCH BYLAWS WITH RESPECT TO ITS MEMBERS;
   (B) APPOINT OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES AND FIX THEIR COMPENSATION,
 TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW; AND
   (C)  PRIORITIZE  AND DIRECT ALL RESOURCES BUDGETED TOWARD THE FULFILL-
 MENT OF ITS RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
   9. THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION SHALL HAVE  THE  FOLLOWING  POWERS
 AND DUTIES:
   (A) TO SUPPORT MEMBER TENANTS IN ORGANIZING BUILDING TENANT UNIONS AND
 ACHIEVING RECOGNITION FOR SUCH TENANT UNIONS;
   (B) TO SUPPORT MEMBER TENANT UNIONS IN ORGANIZING NEW BUILDINGS;
   (C)  TO  SUPPORT  MEMBER TENANTS IN CLAIMING OR ENFORCING ANY RIGHT OR
 PROTECTION  OFFERED  UNDER  STATE  LAW  PERTAINING  TO   LANDLORD-TENANT
 RELATIONS;
   (D)  TO  MAINTAIN  MEMBERSHIP  RECORDS AND RECORDS RELATED TO LANDLORD
 DISCLOSURES;
   (E) TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TENANT UNIONS AND TENANT ORGAN-
 IZATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE;
   (F) TO OFFER ADVICE TO MEMBERS;
 A. 10991                            8
 
   (G) TO COLLECT INFORMATION AND RECORDS FROM  LANDLORDS  AND  ORGANIZA-
 TIONS  REPRESENTING  LANDLORDS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INFORMATION
 REQUIRED FOR DISCLOSURE PURSUANT TO  SUBDIVISIONS  SEVEN  AND  EIGHT  OF
 SECTION  TWO  HUNDRED  THIRTY-NINE-J  OF THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING BUT NOT
 LIMITED TO RENT ROLLS, PROPERTIES OWNED, NAMES OF INDIVIDUAL PRINCIPALS,
 OPERATING  INCOME AND EXPENSES, DEBT SERVICE AND LOAN TERMS AND ASSESSED
 AND OUTSTANDING TAXES, PENALTIES, FINES AND FEES;
   (H) TO COLLECT INFORMATION FROM TENANTS AND TENANT UNIONS;
   (I) TO DISSEMINATE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS TO MEMBERS;
   (J) TO CONVENE PUBLIC HEARINGS, ALONE OR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STATE  OR
 LOCAL ENTITIES;
   (K)  TO  ISSUE  REPORTS,  ANALYSES  AND  OTHER DOCUMENTS TO INFORM THE
 PUBLIC DISCOURSE;
   (L) TO APPOINT OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES AND  FIX  THEIR  COMPEN-
 SATION, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW;
   (M) TO RECOMMEND CHANGES TO LAW, INCLUDING DRAFTING PROPOSED LANGUAGE;
   (N) TO ADVISE RELEVANT STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES; AND
   (O)  TO  ALLOCATE  FUNDING  FROM THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FUND
 ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-NINE-UU OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW.
   § 239-L. RELATIONSHIP TO REAL PROPERTY ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS LAW. 1.
 EVERY PETITION FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-ONE OF  THE
 REAL  PROPERTY ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS LAW SHALL STATE THAT, AT THE TIME
 OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS, EITHER:
   (A) NO TENANT UNION RECOGNIZED UNDER SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J
 OF THIS ARTICLE EXISTS AT THE SUBJECT PREMISES; OR
   (B) THERE IS A TENANT UNION AT THE SUBJECT PREMISES AND  THE  LANDLORD
 HAS  MET AND CONFERRED WITH SUCH TENANT UNION AS REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISION
 THREE OF SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE.
   2. EVERY PETITION FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-ONE OF
 THE REAL PROPERTY ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS  LAW  IN  A  SUBJECT  PREMISES
 WHERE THERE EXISTS A TENANT UNION SHALL STATE THAT PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
 OF  THE  SPECIAL  PROCEEDING, THE LANDLORD HAS NOTIFIED THE TENANT UNION
 AND THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION OF  THE  PROCEEDING  IN  ACCORDANCE
 WITH SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE.
   §  239-M. ENFORCEMENT. 1. WHERE A TENANT UNION ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO
 SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE EXISTS AT THE  SUBJECT
 PREMISES,  THE  FAILURE OF THE LANDLORD TO COMPLY WITH SUBDIVISION THREE
 OF SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE DEEMED  TO
 SUBSTANTIALLY  INTERFERE  WITH  THE COMFORT, REPOSE, PEACE, AND QUIET OF
 THE MEMBERS OF THE TENANT UNION, AND MAY SERVE AS THE BASIS FOR A  LEGAL
 CLAIM BY THE TENANT UNION OR BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE TENANT UNION.
   2.  A TENANT UNION ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-
 NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE OR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF SUCH A TENANT UNION  MAY
 BRING  AN ACTION IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, INCLUDING BUT NOT
 LIMITED TO HOUSING COURT, AGAINST THE LANDLORD OR LESSOR OF THE  SUBJECT
 PREMISES  TO  COMPEL  COMPLIANCE  WITH  SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION TWO
 HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE AND TO RECOVER DAMAGES SUFFERED BY
 REASON OF NONCOMPLIANCE. IN ANY ACTION BROUGHT UNDER THIS  SECTION,  THE
 COURT MAY AWARD REASONABLE ATTORNEY'S FEES TO A PREVAILING PLAINTIFF.
   3. DAMAGES FOR LANDLORDS' NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIR-
 TY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BE AWARDED IN THE FORM OF A RENT ABATEMENT
 IN A PROCEEDING AGAINST A TENANT OR IN A CLAIM BROUGHT BY A TENANT UNION
 OR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS THEREOF.
   4.  A  TENANT'S  INDIVIDUAL  CLAIM  UNDER  THIS  SECTION SHALL SURVIVE
 DISSOLUTION OF THE TENANT UNION AT THE SUBJECT PREMISES.
 A. 10991                            9

   5. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL SERVE TO LIMIT THE ABILITY OF TENANTS
 AS INDIVIDUALS OR AS MEMBERS OF A TENANT UNION OR OTHER TENANT ORGANIZA-
 TION TO WITHHOLD RENT, SEEK REPAIRS, OR EXERCISE ANY OTHER  LEGAL  RIGHT
 AVAILABLE TO THEM UNDER EXISTING LAWS.
   6. UPON A FINDING BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION THAT A LANDLORD
 HAS  INTERFERED WITH TENANTS' RIGHT TO ORGANIZE PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE
 OR FAILED TO COMPLY WITH SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION TWO HUNDRED  THIR-
 TY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE, SUCH LANDLORD SHALL BE BARRED FROM INCREASING
 THE  RENT AT THE SUBJECT PREMISES FROM THE DATE OF THE OCCURRENCE OF THE
 VIOLATION. SUCH BAR SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL THE LANDLORD ADEQUATELY
 PROVIDES THE TENANTS WITH THE  OPPORTUNITY  TO  ESTABLISH  A  RECOGNIZED
 TENANT  UNION  AND/OR TO MEET AND CONFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIRE-
 MENTS OF SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-J OF THIS ARTICLE.
   § 2. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 99-uu to
 read as follows:
   § 99-UU. STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FUND. 1. THERE IS HEREBY  ESTAB-
 LISHED  IN THE JOINT CUSTODY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND FINANCE
 AND THE COMPTROLLER A SPECIAL FUND TO BE KNOWN AS THE "STATEWIDE  TENANT
 ASSOCIATION FUND".
   2.  SUCH  FUND  SHALL  CONSIST  OF  REVENUES  RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THE
 PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE SEVEN-B OF THE REAL PROPERTY  LAW  AND  ALL  OTHER
 MONEYS  CREDITED  OR  TRANSFERRED  THERETO FROM ANY OTHER FUND OR SOURCE
 PURSUANT TO LAW. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PREVENT  THE  STATE  FROM
 RECEIVING  GRANTS,  GIFTS  OR  BEQUESTS  FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE FUND AS
 DEFINED IN THIS SECTION AND DEPOSITING THEM INTO THE FUND  ACCORDING  TO
 LAW.  ANY  INTEREST  EARNED BY THE INVESTMENT OF MONEYS IN THE STATEWIDE
 TENANT ASSOCIATION SHALL BE ADDED TO SUCH  FUND,  BECOME  PART  OF  SUCH
 FUND, AND BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES OF SUCH FUND.
   3.  MONEY  ALLOCATED TO THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FUND SHALL BE
 KEPT SEPARATE AND SHALL NOT BE COMMINGLED WITH ANY OTHER  FUNDS  IN  THE
 CUSTODY OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER.
   4. ALL MONEYS DEPOSITED IN THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FUND SHALL
 BE  MADE  AVAILABLE  FOR USE BY THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FOR THE
 PURPOSES OF CARRYING OUT THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE  STATEWIDE  TENANT
 ASSOCIATION  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE-K OF THE REAL
 PROPERTY LAW, INCLUDING SUPPORTING TENANT ORGANIZING IN ORDER TO PROMOTE
 INCREASED ACCESS TO HEALTHY, SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING  FOR  RESIDENTS
 OF THE STATE.
   5.  ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY EACH YEAR, THE CHAIR OF THE
 STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION SHALL  PROVIDE  A  WRITTEN  REPORT  TO  THE
 TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, CHAIR OF THE
 SENATE  FINANCE  COMMITTEE,  THE  CHAIR  OF  THE ASSEMBLY WAYS AND MEANS
 COMMITTEE, THE STATE COMPTROLLER  AND  THE  PUBLIC.  SUCH  REPORT  SHALL
 INCLUDE  HOW  THE  MONEYS  OF THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FUND WERE
 UTILIZED DURING THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR, AND SHALL INCLUDE:
   (A) THE AMOUNT OF MONEY DISBURSED FROM THE FUND AND  THE  PURPOSES  OF
 SUCH DISBURSEMENTS;
   (B) RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS FROM THE FUND;
   (C) THE AMOUNT AWARDED TO EACH RECIPIENT;
   (D) THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH SUCH AWARDS WERE GRANTED; AND
   (E) A SUMMARY FINANCIAL PLAN FOR SUCH MONEYS WHICH SHALL INCLUDE ESTI-
 MATES OF ALL RECEIPTS AND ALL DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE CURRENT AND SUCCEED-
 ING  FISCAL  YEARS,  ALONG WITH THE ACTUAL RESULTS FROM THE PRIOR FISCAL
 YEAR.
   6. ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EACH CALENDAR  YEAR,  THE
 COMPTROLLER  SHALL  CERTIFY  TO THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF
 A. 10991                           10
 
 THE SENATE, THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE FINANCE
 COMMITTEE AND THE CHAIR OF THE ASSEMBLY WAYS AND  MEANS  COMMITTEE,  THE
 AMOUNT  OF  MONEY  DEPOSITED  IN  THE  STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FUND
 DURING  THE  PRECEDING  CALENDAR  YEAR  AS THE RESULT OF REVENUE DERIVED
 PURSUANT TO ARTICLE SEVEN-B OF THE  REAL  PROPERTY  LAW,  AND  FROM  ALL
 GRANTS, GIFTS AND BEQUESTS.
   7.  MONEYS SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION FUND
 ON THE AUDIT AND WARRANT OF THE COMPTROLLER  ON  VOUCHERS  APPROVED  AND
 CERTIFIED BY THE CHAIR OF THE STATEWIDE TENANT ASSOCIATION.
   § 3. The sum of fifty million dollars ($50,000,000), or so much there-
 of  as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to the division of hous-
 ing and community renewal out of any moneys in the state treasury in the
 general fund to the credit of the state purposes account, not  otherwise
 appropriated,  and made immediately available, for the purpose of carry-
 ing out the provisions of this act. Such moneys shall be payable on  the
 audit  and  warrant of the comptroller on vouchers certified or approved
 by the commissioner of the division of housing and community renewal  in
 the manner prescribed by law.
   §  4.  This  act  shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall
 have become a law.