It took until 8/17/2022 for NYS to realize that its real estate brokerage law, Article 12-a of the Real Property Law, was flawed. 

Until now, how could a saleswoman function in the state? After all, the statutory license was called a "Real Estate Salesman." 

Ironically, the advertising regulations were already up to date, at 19 NYCRR 175.25(c)(4), which required the use of the term "real estate salesperson." However, the actual statute was still in its 1927 form where the license was gender specific. Now, the term "salesman" is replaced with "salesperson" per S536A.

While you may think this is a ridiculous change and probably makes no difference, it's important for little girls to understand that all people can be anything and using male dominated terms is a macro dissuader to female participation in the workforce. So, good job New York State.

Starting on February 19, 2022, the maximum fine for real estate license law violations has been doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 by S945B. Brokers beware. 

Further, 50% of these fines, for violating Article 12-A and 19 NYCRR 175, will be used to establish an Anti-Discrimination in Housing Fund (ADHF). 

The ADHF shall be controlled by the NYS Attorney General and may be used for:

• Fair housing testing;
• Grants to duly applying county, city, town or village human rights commissions;
• Grants to duly applying county, city, town or village agencies specializing in the prevention of unlawful discrimination in housing; &
• Grants to duly applying not-for-profit agencies specializing in the prevention of unlawful discrimination in housing.