Ahead of anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act, Hochul signs legislation to support those with disabilities

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Ahead of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation to support New Yorkers with disabilities.

Legislation S.9699A/A.10457 allows the Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes programs to cover the cost of important home repairs that accompany accessibility modifications for low- and moderate-income households with disabilities. Legislation S.8903/A.9948 expands the real property tax exemption for people with disabilities. Legislation S.1900A/A.2487A makes it easier for New Yorkers with disabilities to apply for parking permit renewals.

“Those living with disabilities face discrimination and additional barriers every day – it is crucial we do what we can to fix it,” Hochul said. "Ahead of the anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act, I am signing this legislation because people with disabilities deserve to enjoy the rights and privileges that all New Yorkers do.”

Chief Disability Officer Kim Hill Ridley said, “As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with Gov. Hochul's signing of these three bills and the progress they will make towards improving the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities, we also acknowledge the advocacy of the pioneers who came before us to get us to this point. And while we take this moment in time to celebrate how far we've come, we also must take a deep breath, roll up our sleeves and continue our fight until all people with disabilities are able to lead integrated, inclusive and independent lives in our local communities.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Improving access to safe, affordable housing that allows people to remain in their homes and be a part of their community is critical for every New Yorker, and especially those with disabilities. By expanding our Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes programs to cover the cost of home repairs that include accessibility modifications, we create safer, more comfortable places for residents with disabilities – including veterans – to live and thrive.”

Legislation S.9699A/A.10457 amends the Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes program to permit home repairs to be financed with program funds so long as they are related to the accessibility modifications being paid for by the program and do not constitute more than 60% of project costs. The bill will help expand participation and provide better, safer conditions for persons with disabilities, including veterans, helping them to continue to live comfortably in their homes.

State Sen. Brian Kavanagh said, “I am pleased that Senate Bill S9699A is part of the package of bills Gov. Kathy Hochul is signing today to support New Yorkers with disabilities.

“The Access to Home programs have been instrumental in funding accessibility modifications, allowing low- and moderate-income individuals with disabilities to live safely in their homes. However, these programs have been limited in covering the full scope of home repairs often needed for full accessibility upgrades, leaving homeowners in a difficult position. This bill fills the gap by allowing financing for home repairs related to habitability alongside accessibility adaptations. By removing health and safety risks, individuals with disabilities can remain in their homes and take care of multiple projects at once. Moreover, the increase in allowable administrative fees will attract more nonprofit organizations to administer the program, expanding its geographic scope and providing additional support to individuals with disabilities. This legislation marks a significant step towards ensuring the well-being and independence of homeowners with disabilities in our state.”

Assembly member Carrie Woerner said, “Many homeowners with disabilities live in homes that require modifications for accessibility and repairs for health and safety purposes. This bill provides funding support for home repairs, such as roll-in showers or entrance ramp, so people with disabilities can continue living safely and comfortably in their home.”

Legislation S.8903/A.9948 expands the real property tax exemption for people with disabilities. The bill closes a gap in the law that excluded many people with disabilities from an important tax benefit by making eligible people who have their primary residence in a special needs trust and property owners who have a life tenant with a disability. This legislation will reduce barriers to affordable, stable housing for people with disabilities.

State Sen. Monica Martinez said, “New York state has always been a champion of equitable treatment for its residents. However, the existing tax exemption law treated some individuals with disabilities differently than others. This amendment brings much-needed equity and fairness to the property tax code that will help more disabled New Yorkers afford to remain in their homes and communities.”

Legislation S.1900A/A.2487A allows disabled individuals to renew parking permits without providing updated certifications or additional medical documents.

State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky said, “The definition of ‘permanently disabled’ does not leave any gray area that must be proven each time a parking permit expires. Obtaining this medical information can be costly and time-consuming, as well as dehumanizing for many with severe disabilities. This legislation eliminates obstacles and allows New Yorkers access to services they deserve.”

Assembly member Andrew Hevesi said, “After hearing from numerous constituents facing undue burdens when submitting disability parking permit renewals, including often being required to provide recent medical exams not covered by insurance, my office wrote A.2487. That bill, which passed unanimously in both the Assembly and Senate, is being signed into law by the governor today.”