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After a tremendous effort this session led by Mark Dorr at NYSHTA, the bill to regulate short term rentals in New York State has passed both houses of the legislature (FINALLY). The bill requires the State to create a registry and requires that both sales and occupancy taxes be collected.
The bill will now be sent to the Governor for approval before the end of the calendar year. This bill represents a multiyear industry effort that wouldn’t have been possible without Mark Dorr's leadership of an industrywide coalition and the support of legislative champions and sponsors, Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assembly Member Pat Fahy. If you can, Mark Dorr has asked that you please send them a note of thanks from the tourism industry:
Emails:
- Senator Michelle Hinchey: hinchey@nysenate.gov
- Assembly Member Pat Fahy: fahyp@nyassembly.gov
From the NYSHTA newsletter/Mark Dorr: "The success of this bill (the first STATEWIDE bill of its kind) was not possible without the years-long support of our 1,200 members which include, among others, hotels, B&Bs, amusement parks, destination marketing and tourism promotion agencies and other like-minded Associations. It was our members’ direct contact with elected officials and participation in lobby days and legislative receptions that made all the difference. Your VOICE WAS HEARD and that is why NYSHTA exists. Since 1887, NYSHTA has been here to make sure, while you are running your business, your voice is heard on all legislative and regulatory matters. Tomorrow we will send a full recap of all the legislative work."
The NYSTIA Advocacy Committee (Jeff Shipley, Ed Carr, Josiah Brown), Board Chair Corey Fram, Vice Chair-Elect Greg LaDuca, Board Secretary Cass Harrington, and President Bob Provost participated in the NYSHTA-led legislative meetings as well as follow-up calls and conversations in support of the legislation.
Finally: A Level Playing Field
The recent passage of legislation to regulate the state’s short-term rentals – a $1 billion industry – is precedent setting and gives a blueprint for other states to get a handle on this massive, unchecked industry. The combined efforts of the State Legislature to make this happen is truly remarkable. This bill had bipartisan support at the end and is a victory not only for the tourism industry, but also for the state’s small business communities. It will provide millions of dollars in tax revenues municipalities desperately need and it levels the playing field for current, state-regulated, tourism businesses.
WHAT'S NEXT? MORE TO FOLLOW! Watch this newsletter for follow-up information on the short term rental industry in New York.
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