S947

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring landlords to provide transparency regarding fees associated with electronic rent payment systems, with a 55-6 vote on Calendar Number 477, Senate Print 947. Sponsored by Sen. Jackson, the bill mandates that landlords disclose any fees charged for automated clearinghouse or electronic billing payment options, allowing tenants to make informed decisions about whether to use such systems. During floor debate, Sen. Walczyk raised concerns about whether the transparency requirement conflicts with prior legislation explicitly allowing such fees to be passed to consumers, and questioned how payment system operational costs would be covered if fees cannot be assessed. Jackson countered that the bill simply ensures tenants have options and can decide based on disclosed costs, citing his own experience as a tenant benefiting from electronic payment convenience. Sen. Martins voted in favor, stating that transparency in such situations is paramount and that tenants should be able to arrange their finances accordingly based on disclosed fees. Six senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Palumbo, Rhoads, Skoufis, Walczyk, and Weik. The bill takes effect immediately.

The Senate passed S947, sponsored by Sen. Jackson, an act to amend the Real Property Law, on a roll call vote of 51-5. The bill, which was Calendar Number 590, proceeded directly to a vote without floor debate. Five senators voted in opposition: Ashby, Borrello, Palumbo, Rhoads, and Weik. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.