NY S05876

Prohibits discrimination in housing based on domestic violence victim status, including refusal to rent, discrimination in rental terms, or advertisements expressing such discrimination, with violations constituting a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $1,000-$2,000 per offense.

Establishes civil liability for discriminatory conduct with compensatory and punitive damages (capped at $2,000 per offense), declaratory and injunctive relief, and reasonable attorney's fees for prevailing parties.

Prohibits eviction of tenants based on domestic violence victim status, allowing tenants to raise it as a defense in eviction proceedings unless the landlord demonstrates another lawful ground for removal.

Exempts owner-occupied buildings with two or fewer residential units from the discrimination and eviction prohibitions.

Creates a task force to study the impact of source of income on access to housing, including Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher policies, with recommendations due to the governor and legislature by January 15, 2015.