Pointless Legislation? RE Broker Discrimination = License Revocation

Newsday is reporting that "Sen. James Gaughran (D-Huntington) and Assemb. Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) introduced a bill that would expand the state’s authority to suspend or revoke a real estate agent’s license."

Did you know that a law already exists that provides for discrimination = license revocation?

19 NYCRR 175.17(b) states:
No real estate broker or salesperson shall engage in an unlawful discriminatory practice, as proscribed by any federal, state or local law applicable to the activities of real estate licensees in New York State. A finding by any federal, state or local agency or court of competent jurisdiction that a real estate broker or salesperson has engaged in unlawful discriminatory practice in the performance of licensed real estate activities shall be presumptive evidence of untrustworthiness and will subject such licensee to discipline, including a proceeding for revocation. Nothing herein shall limit or restrict the Department from otherwise exercising its authority pursuant to section 441-c of the Real Property Law.

Yes, codifying the law makes sense, but unless DOS prosecutes, what's the point?

Hey Brokers - should a license be lost if a broker is found to have discriminated? 

Just remember, not every charge of discrimination is legitimate.

Let us know your thoughts in comments.

Co-op Purchaser Application Fees Eliminated by Tenant Protection Act?

Co-ops sales may be subject to the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act. Forget what "our attorneys" have said - here is the go to analysis for prospective litigation on the issue. 

Read the full article by Andrew Lieb published in The Suffolk Lawyer here. 

Real Tips HR: The Timing of Terminating an Employee

Employers need to quickly fire an employee to reduce exposure. Employment experts Mordy Yankovich and Andrew Lieb share tips in this short clip.