Welcome to the December edition of our newsletter, Policy Matters. This month, we are bringing you the latest updates on the budget from the Office of Court Administration, bills we are watching, staff recognition and more.
We hope you enjoy and have a Happy Holiday!
Judiciary Highlights Need for Legal Services Funding
The Office of Court Administration (OCA) recently released its budget for the upcoming year, which includes an increase for civil legal services. You can read the statement released by President and CEO Kristin Brown, in her capacity as Board President of the New York Legal Services Coalition, which was featured in New York Law Journal. This is one step in a lengthy process before the final budget is approved, however this is an encouraging development. We have consistently advocated for increased funding for civil legal services, a key message emphasized in our testimony during the Chief Judge’s hearing in September.
Bills We’re Watching
As the year comes to an end, we would like to call your attention to the bills that are still waiting for Governor Hochul’s approval before the holidays. Two notable bills the governor has called up and is currently considering include:
- The HOPP Codification Bill (S.7297C Kavanagh/A.7636 Solages), which seeks to codify New York’s Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP). HOPP is the state’s only program providing free legal assistance and housing counseling to thousands of homeowners in every county across the state, including those targeted by mortgage fraud, scams, or facing foreclosure. Codifying the program would enshrine the program in state law, ensuring continued support for vulnerable homeowners. A coalition of statewide organizations has signed a letter urging Governor Hochul to sign the bill, and the New York Legal Services Coalition also sent a letter in support.
- The Notarization Bill (S.9032A Ryan/A.9478A McMahon) aims to clarify changes to the 2023 notarization law by permitting individuals to submit affirmations under penalty of perjury instead of affidavits in administrative hearings, removing a barrier to justice. We submitted a Memo of Support in favor of the bill, as part of the New York Legal Services Coalition.
Recent Changes to Master Contract Risk Client Confidentiality
New York State’s Master Contract Language for nonprofit agreements was recently amended. One notable change is that client data would now become state property — raising concerns about the safety and privacy of vulnerable communities, including immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of domestic violence. This revision also prevents nonprofits from using client data to provide services to those outside of the state-funded program, posing a significant barrier to justice. Empire Justice Center, alongside more than 200 statewide organizations, signed on to a letter, drafted by The Lawyers Alliance and New York Legal Services Coalition. The letter calls on Governor Hochul to take action and collaborate with State agencies and nonprofits to come to a workable solution.
New Resource to Screen for Domestic Violence Available for Advocates
Empire Justice Center has released a new screening tool for attorneys representing clients with name changes to screen for domestic violence. Transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) people experience intimate partner violence at higher rates, yet survivors in these marginalized communities have historically been, and continue to be, largely invisible and under-served. New York attorneys representing TGNCNB people in name change proceedings are uniquely positioned to recognize and respond to these communities’ intimate partner violence concerns.
This screening tool can help name change attorneys become better informed about the dynamics impacting their clients’ lives and develop more customized and effective legal strategies that balance client safety with legal relief.
New York’s Continued Fight Against Child Poverty
The Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) met on December 18 to finalize its report on childhood poverty in New York and vote on its final recommendations. As highlighted in last month’s Policy Matters, Governor Hochul has committed to reducing childhood poverty in the state by 50% by December 2031. Children living in poverty suffer from higher rates of asthma, lead poisoning, and are hospitalized at higher rates than children who do not live in poverty. CPRAC’s recommendation was a strong proposal package and was unanimously approved by Council vote. We commend the Council for their commitment to investing in New York’s families through comprehensive action, which will now be delivered to Governor Hochul for consideration. This package includes:
- An increase to the Empire State Child Tax Credit to $1500 per child, with no minimum income requirement;
- Creation of a Housing Voucher Program;
- Increasing Public Assistance basic allowance for non-shelter needs;
- Giving Public Assistance applicants an income disregard;
- Creating a state food benefits program for those who are not eligible for federal SNAP benefits.
We look forward to Governor Hochul including all the recommendations in her Executive Budget, which will be released in January.
Good Cause in Rochester
In a win for Rochester tenants, the Rochester City Council voted and passed Good Cause Eviction legislation this month. Opting in to this legislation helps stabilize housing and protects renters in addition to closing loopholes that leave people at risk of losing their home. Landlords will be prohibited from evicting, refusing to renew a lease, or seeking to remove a tenant from housing without good cause. There are exemptions for landlords who own a single rental-unit, and there must be a good cause applicability notice in lease and renewal agreements. Empire Justice Center applauds this measure, making Rochester the largest city in New York to opt in to the law, which will be implemented within the coming weeks.
2025 Empire Justice Policy Agenda
As we near the end of 2024, we look to what possibilities lie ahead of us in 2025. As such, Empire Justice Center has been hard at work, preparing our Policy Agenda for the upcoming Legislative session. Our policy agenda reflects our organizational mission to make the law work for all New Yorkers, especially those who need its protection most. We use this as a tool to create change and address the cause of issues we see in our day-to-day work. Be sure to keep an eye out in early January, to get an inside look at all of the work we will be up to in the coming months. For more information on our work, you can find our 2024 Policy agenda on our website.
Staff Award
Please join us in congratulating Director of CASH and Strategic Partnerships, Yversha Roman, for her recognition as a finalist for the 2025 ATHENA International Young Professional Award. This award recognizes emerging female leaders in the 30- to 45-year-old range who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession and serve as a role model for young women both personally and professionally. Congratulations Yversha!
Making Our Mission Possible
Our legal system doesn’t work for everyone. We’re on a mission to fix it. Using our unique, “360-degree” approach that includes teaching, practicing, and changing the law, we deliver systemic change to positively impact thousands of New Yorkers by:
- Developing cutting-edge legal solutions that are free to low-income clients.
- Supporting and educating other lawyers, legal professionals, and non-profit advocates.
- Advocating for policy change that advances civil, racial, and economic justice.
Learn more about this unique approach and the impact of our over 50 years of advocacy by watching our new video.
Happy Holidays!
Our offices will be closed from December 25-January 1 for staff to rest, recharge and be with loved ones. We look forward to returning on January 2 rejuvenated and ready to advocate for critical change on behalf of our client communities. Empire Justice Center wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Thank You For Reading
If you’d like to keep up with our policy work, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or visit the Policy Central page on our website.
You can contact our offices directly if you need civil legal help.
We Are Hiring!
Are you a dedicated, determined and passionate advocate who wants to make a significant impact on the lives of low-income New Yorkers? Check out our open positions!
The Empire Justice Policy Team
