A983

The Senate laid aside Calendar Number 100 (Assembly Print 983), legislation to amend the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law sponsored by Assemblymember Magnarelli. Sen. Lanza moved to lay the bill aside, and Acting President Cooney granted the motion, removing the measure from consideration.

The Senate passed an amended version of the Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act on a 44-18 vote, with 18 Republicans voting against the measure. The bill, sponsored by Sen. May, modifies last year's tenant protection legislation by exempting New York City from its provisions. The amendment sparked sharp debate over whether the exclusion was justified or politically motivated. Sen. Borrello argued that conditions had not changed since the original bill's passage and accused the Majority of protecting property owners who support certain candidates. He also raised concerns about the bill's vague language allowing courts to award "any other relief that the court may deem just," questioning whether this could include monetary damages and attorney's fees. Sen. May countered that New York City already has similar protections and resources in place, making the bill's provisions duplicative for the city. She emphasized that the bill creates a simpler process for tenants to seek court remedies for unsafe housing conditions, fulfilling landlords' legal obligations to provide safe housing. The bill was initially debated on the controversial calendar before being restored to the noncontroversial calendar by agreement between the Majority and Minority.