ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)-- A NEW LAW IN NEW YORK INTENDS TO STRENGTHEN DEED THEFT PROTECTIONS BY PROVIDING HOMEOWNERS AND PROSECUTORS THE TOOLS TO ASSIST IN RESTORING TITLES AND EXTENDING CERTAIN CONSUMER PROTECTIONS.  

GOV. KATHY HOCHUL SAID DEED THEFT IS AN INJUSTICE THAT NEEDS TO BE ELIMINATED.  

“Going forward, there will be an outcome and let the message go out to all of those who have preyed on these individuals for far too long your day is over. You will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and it must end right now,” said Hochul. 

THE NEW law INCLUDES EXTENDED PROTECTIONS THAT WILL EMPOWER THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND LOCAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS TO PAUSE CERTAIN EVICTION AND OWNERSHIP PROCEEDINGS AND EXPAND THE LIST OF CRIMES THAT ALLOW PROSECUTORS TO INVALIDATE FRAUDULENT SALE AND LOAN DOCUMENTS.   

SOME NEW YORK STATE LAWMAKERS SAid ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE NEW LAW WOULD KEEP NEW YORKERS FROM BEING EVICTED DURING CERTAIN DEED THEFT COURT PROCEEDINGS.  

“There’s a multitude of ways we can be addressing and should be addressing deed theft, but this is one important way that I’m glad we’re taking a step towards keeping people in their homes until we ensure that they have full ownership of their own home,” said Sen. Jabari Brisport (D-25th Senate District).

The new law will take effect 30 days after it's signing.