NY A04040

Establishes that housing discrimination can be proven through a practice's discriminatory effect, even without evidence of discriminatory intent

Defines discriminatory effect as a practice that results in disparate impact or creates/reinforces segregated housing patterns based on protected characteristics including race, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or lawful source of income

Creates a "legally sufficient justification" defense requiring respondents to prove the challenged practice is necessary to achieve substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interests and no less discriminatory alternative exists

Establishes a burden-shifting framework where complainants first prove discriminatory effect, then respondents must justify the practice, and complainants can still prevail by showing a less discriminatory alternative

Specifies that a legally sufficient justification defense cannot be used against claims of intentional discrimination, and the new standard does not limit broader interpretations of existing anti-discrimination law