A newly proposed state bill would further postpone New York City's 2020 tax lien sale as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Under S. 8921, the sale of tax liens by the New York City Department of Finance would be delayed until one year after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted. The tax lien sale was originally scheduled for May 15 but was postponed to September because of the pandemic.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on March 7 declared a state disaster emergency that is in effect until September 7.
S. 8921 was introduced August 19 by Sen. Leroy Comrie (D), chair of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions. The bill, which has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee, would take effect immediately upon enactment.
"The underlying public health, as well as social and economic justice issues, have not substantially [shifted] for the better; therefore it is incredibly irresponsible to hold this [tax lien] sale at a time of great economic turmoil and a pandemic that has literally affected the livelihood of so many," according to the justification for the bill.
Comrie did not respond to a request for comment by press time.