BILL NUMBER: S8056

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public housing law, in relation to the selection of
tenants in state aided housing projects in the county of Westchester

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The purpose of this bill is to ensure fair, equitable, and transparent
tenant selection in state-aided housing projects located in Westchester
County by amending the public housing law to account for regional hous-
ing needs, potential discriminatory practices, or other barriers to
access.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

  Section 1 amends the public housing law by adding a new section 156-d.
authorizing  Westchester  County to enact a local law granting a prefer-
ence in the selection of tenants for state-aided housing  projects.  The
preference  may  apply  to up to fifty percent of available units and is
              

limited to applicants who are current residents of Westchester County at
the time  of  application,  provided  they  otherwise  meet  eligibility
requirements for occupancy.

  Section 2 sets the effective date

 
JUSTIFICATION:

This bill seeks to address the acute demand for affordable housing among
current residents of Westchester County. By allowing the county to grant
preference  to  local  applicants  for  up  to fifty percent of units in
state-aided housing projects, the legislation helps  ensure  that  long-
term  community  members  are not displaced or outcompeted by applicants
from outside the area. This is especially important in  regions  experi-
encing  increased housing pressure due to population growth, gentrifica-
tion, or rising housing costs.  Prioritizing  local  residents  promotes
community  stability,  supports  workforce  retention,  and ensures that
public housing investments benefit those  already  contributing  to  the
county's social and economic fabric.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This  act  shall  take effect immediately and only apply to applications
for occupancy received on and after the effective date.