Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Governor Cuomo's Signing of Bill A8704C Into Law

State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement after Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill that will prohibit home sharing sites, such as Airbnb, from advertising illegal units while imposing hefty fines to hosts who are in violation of current state laws:

"I commend Governor Cuomo for signing A8704C into law, a bill I proudly voted for when it came to the senate floor. This bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Andrew Lanza, will hold accountable home sharing sites, while imposing substantial fines to those who blatantly violate New York State law. 

It will ensure that home sharing sites comply with the law and do not advertise apartments that should go to hard working New Yorkers . 

I applaud the efforts of my colleagues Assemblymember Rosenthal, State Senator Lanza, the Hotel Trades Council, and Share Better for having fought to make this moment happen. 

I am also disappointed but not surprised that Airbnb has announced their intention to pursue legal action to block its implementation.  This move further demonstrates that the company does not understand that our efforts are not about stopping "innovation". They are about maintaining the already dwindling stock of affordable housing units for the hard-working New Yorkers who deserve them.

I look forward to their effort being defeated in court.