S8036

The New York State Senate passed S8036, a chapter amendment to General Business Law regulating keyless security entry systems in residential buildings, by a vote of 56-4 on Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Thomas, prohibits unauthorized installation of keyless devices in multi-unit residential buildings without express written consent from property owners or boards of managers. The legislation specifies that installation of such systems cannot be considered a capital improvement and therefore cannot justify rent increases. During floor debate, Sen. Borrello raised concerns about the bill's language, arguing that the rent restriction provision was ambiguous and could be misinterpreted to prevent any rent increases if a keyless system is installed. Borrello, who previously supported the bill, voted against it due to these concerns about potential legal misinterpretation. Senators Murray, O'Mara, and Walczyk also voted in opposition. An amendment proposed by Sen. Martins to create penalties for obstructing traffic and building access during unpermitted protests was ruled nongermane by the presiding officer, and an appeal of that ruling failed on a show of hands vote of 20-ayes.