Summary of Bill S 2321

Bill Number: S 2321

Title: Relates to authorizing the city of Albany to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs, and fines to such city's annual tax levy

Status: Referred to Local Government

Introduced: January 16, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2321 aims to provide the city of Albany with the authority to incorporate unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs, and fines into the city's annual tax levy. This legislative measure is intended to enhance the city’s ability to collect outstanding debts related to housing code violations, thereby improving compliance with housing regulations and ensuring that property owners address violations in a timely manner.

Key Provisions

• Authorization for Tax Levy Inclusion: The bill specifically allows the city of Albany to add any unpaid penalties, costs, and fines associated with housing code violations to the annual tax levy for properties in violation.

• Collection Mechanism: By including these unpaid amounts in the tax levy, the city can leverage the existing tax collection system to recover funds that would otherwise remain uncollected.

• Impact on Property Owners: Property owners with outstanding housing code violations will be directly affected, as their unpaid fines could lead to increased tax liabilities if the city opts to add these amounts to the tax levy.

Who Would Be Affected

• Property Owners in Albany: Individuals and entities owning properties in Albany that have incurred housing code violations will be impacted by this bill. They may face additional financial burdens if they do not resolve their violations promptly.

• City of Albany: The city government will benefit from enhanced revenue collection, which can be used to fund housing enforcement and other municipal services.

Procedural Aspects

• Legislative Process: As of January 16, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Local Government committee for further consideration. The outcome of this referral will determine the next steps in the legislative process, including potential amendments, debates, and voting.

• Related Bills: This bill is related to prior-session bills A 10738, A 3128, and A 3957, which may provide context or precedent for the current legislative proposal.

Conclusion

Bill S 2321 represents a strategic effort by the city of Albany to improve compliance with housing codes and enhance revenue collection through the tax levy system. By addressing unpaid penalties and fines, the city aims to foster a more responsible property ownership environment while ensuring that necessary funds are available for municipal services. The bill's progress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.