LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Progress Made on Telemarketing Ban

The dust has settled and we find ourselves standing on the brink of success?

As you know, the 2023 legislative session was exciting, but unproductive. Passing about half the number of bills as they did the year before, the 2023 session will be remembered for having a budget that was a month late, a housing crisis demurred, and the momentary defeat of “Good Cause” eviction. Yet, the 2023 legislative session was not without a very important victory.

I am happy to report that there has been significant movement on the technical amendments that prohibit telemarketing activities during a state of emergency. NYS Assembly Bill 6680 was introduced by Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-88th District, Scarsdale), voted on and passed with unanimous support!

Movement on this issue and the success of this bill comes from our great team at the New York State Association of Realtors and the leadership of Government Affairs Directors Mike Kelly and Legislative and Political Affairs Director Jared Burns. However, possibly more important is that we can draw a direct line to our hoped-for success on the telemarketing ban issue to HGAR’s Lobby Day and the resultant movement of this bill based on the association’s advocacy

Assemblymember Paulin, the bill’s sponsor, was one of the elected officials who attended our Lobby Day. The importance of this issue was conveyed to Assemblywoman Paulin and her Assembly colleagues that attended the HGAR session. Within a month of our May 2nd Lobby Day, the Assemblywoman had A.6680 voted on and passed on the Assembly floor by June 6th. And not just passed but passed with unanimous support. In such a decisive time, this is truly a feat to be recognized. The success of Lobby Day had real and substantial consequences for our issues. Thank you.

Alas, our efforts have won us the battle but not the war. The New York State Senate has proven to be more of a stickler when it comes to the commonsense solution of A.6680. The companion bill S.412, sponsored by State Senator Thomas (D-6th District-Long Island, has not made any significant movement this legislative session. That being said, the Assembly passing this bill with such overwhelming support put a lot of pressure on the Senate.

So, the battle lines are set. We have the Assembly and come January, we will consolidate our efforts and focus on the Senate. In a legislative session laced with inaction and infighting, it is truly amazing that we were able to convey our needs on this issue so effectively. I have complete faith that HGAR and NYSAR will be able to move the needle forward in 2024. There will be more to come, but until then, please enjoy the summer and rest up, because we have a lot of work to do soon.

For anyone looking for more information on the Telemarketing Activities bill, details about the bill text and movement, Google NYS Assembly A.6680.