Codifies the disparate impact standard in the human rights law

Stronger protections against unfair housing practices

New York law allows housing discrimination claims based on discriminatory effects, without proof that anyone meant to discriminate. This covers actual or predicted unequal effects on protected groups, or practices that create, reinforce, or continue housing segregation. Protected traits include race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. They also include military status, sex, age, disability, marital status, domestic violence victim status, lawful income source, and familial status. The person bringing the case must prove the discriminatory effect. The party defending the practice must then prove it is needed to meet substantial, legitimate goals unrelated to discrimination. The person bringing the case can still win by showing another practice meets those goals with less discriminatory effect. This defense does not excuse intentional discrimination, and broader protections under the human rights law remain intact. The law took effect immediately and applies to housing discrimination occurring on or after that date. It also authorizes immediate rule changes needed to carry out the law.