NY A08895

Establishes a new housing court with jurisdiction over actions involving enforcement of state and local housing standards laws, including civil penalties, liens, injunctions, and receiver appointments.

Housing court judges must be admitted to the bar for at least five years (with two years in active practice) and serve full-time five-year terms, appointed by the administrative judge of the supreme court.

Court shall consolidate all pending actions relating to the same building and retain jurisdiction until all housing violations are removed.

Municipal departments enforcing housing laws may commence actions by order to show cause returnable within five days or other discretionary timeframes, with clerk issuing an index number upon signing.

Provides for pro se clerk assistance to unrepresented persons regarding court procedures, filing papers, and administrative relief options.