Albany, NY – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymember Phil Steck (A1820A) to combat housing discrimination and strengthen civil rights protections in New York State has been signed into law. The new law requires sellers to remove illegal restrictive covenants from property records before a home can be sold, helping to eliminate discriminatory language that has no place in modern society.

Restrictive covenants are outdated and unlawful provisions that were historically used to bar people from owning or occupying property based on race, religion, national origin, disability, and other protected identities. Although unenforceable, these covenants have continued to appear in property records, perpetuating the legacy of discrimination in housing.

Assemblymember Steck has spent his career working to protect individuals from discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law. That experience directly informed his work on this legislation.

“As a civil rights attorney, I have seen firsthand how discrimination, even when it is no longer enforceable, continues to cause harm,” said Assemblymember Phil Steck. “Restrictive covenants are rooted in racism and exclusion, and allowing them to remain in property records sends exactly the wrong message. This law makes clear that New York will not tolerate discrimination in any form, especially in the place people should feel most secure, their homes.”

The enactment of this legislation comes at a critical moment. Under the Trump Administration, the federal government no longer explicitly prohibits government contractors from maintaining segregated facilities, disregarding decades of settled law related to segregation and discrimination.

“At a time when the federal government is rolling back long-established protections and turning its back on civil rights, New York must lead,” Steck added. “This law ensures that New Yorkers are protected from discrimination and that their civil rights are not quietly eroded.”

The bill was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul and reinforces New York State’s long-standing commitment to fair housing, equal opportunity, and civil rights.

Assemblymember Steck emphasized that state level action is essential when federal protections are weakened. “New York has both the authority and the responsibility to stand up for inclusion, equality, and justice, and this law reflects that responsibility.”