New state laws take effect on January 1

Effective January 1, 2016, it will be unlawful for any person to engage, advertise or hold themselves out as a mold assessor, remediation contractor or abatement worker unless they have a valid mold license issued by the New York State Department of Labor (DOL). REALTORS must be aware that any mold assessor or remediation specialist you refer to customers, clients, sellers or purchasers must be licensed with New York State. This requirement is the same as those applying to licensed home inspector referrals. The state DOL website has a wealth of information available. The New York State Senate also recently highlighted several new laws that will: prohibit discrimination against domestic violence victims in housing; ensure equal pay; reduce the business income tax rate; provide property tax relief for eligible veterans; and expand health care access through telehealth services. More information can be found here.