Legislation Would Protect Families from Unknowingly Giving Sex Offenders Access to their Homes

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation he sponsored to prevent all convicted sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate appraisal license. The measure is designed to protect families from unknowingly allowing a convicted sex offender into their home. 

“No family would give a sex offender full access to every room in their home. However, that’s exactly what can happen because convicted sex offenders are allowed to hold an appraiser’s license under current law,” said Senator Fuschillo. “This legislation would put an end to this and better protect families from unknowingly allowing a sex offender into their home.”  

When performing an appraisal, real estate appraisers inspect every room in a house, including children’s bedrooms and playrooms. While these individuals must be licensed, there is nothing in current law disqualifying sex offenders from holding a real estate appraiser’s license. 

Senator Fuschillo’s legislation (S597A) would prohibit all convicted sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate appraiser’s license. Any individual who holds a real estate appraiser’s license and is convicted of a sex offense must notify the Department of State within five days of being sentenced. 

The legislation builds upon an existing law authored by Senator Fuschillo which prevents all convicted sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate license.  

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly. 

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