Establishes the Freedman's asset recovery agency to aid Transatlantic Slave victims and their heirs to seek a just and orderly return of assets to their original owners or such original owner's heirs.
Impact
The bill's impact on state laws revolves around the formal recognition of the historical injustices faced by the victims of the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, which collapsed in 1874 leading to substantial losses for depositors. Establishing this agency aims to address these past grievances by enabling claimants to seek just compensation for their losses, which, when accounted for, represent a significant sum today. This act reflects a broader commitment to reparative justice and acknowledges the historical economic disparities that arose from slavery.
Summary
Bill A08285 proposes the establishment of the Freedman's Asset Recovery Agency within the executive department of New York State. This agency aims to aid victims of Transatlantic slavery and their heirs in the recovery of assets lost, stolen, or sold under duress between 1865 and 1874. It recognizes claimants' rights without requiring them to initiate legal processes independently, thus facilitating a more supportive approach to asset recovery. The proposed agency will advocate for claimants, work as a liaison with various organizations involved in compensation, and alleviate the bureaucratic challenges they face.
Contention
Despite its positive trajectory promoting reparative justice, Bill A08285 might face contention regarding the logistics of asset recovery and the extent of the agency's authority. Questions may arise about how the agency will practically bridge the gap between victims and current asset holders, and whether there are sufficient resources allocated to support its mission effectively. Additionally, discussions may center on the implications of recognizing claims that could date back over a century, raising debates on how already settled issues might be re-evaluated in the context of reparations.
Establishes the farm ownership succession planning program to provide farm owners with a succession planning toolkit that can be used by such farm owners who plan on selling or closing their farm.
Establishes a real property tax exemption for certain property owners who reside full-time on such property in certain counties; requires that such owners occupy such property as their primary residence and are enrolled in or eligible for the STAR exemption or credit or that such owners rent to a tenant for a term of at least twelve months and such tenant occupies such property as their primary residence.
Establishes a real property tax exemption for certain property owners who reside full-time on such property in certain counties; requires that such owners occupy such property as their primary residence and are enrolled in or eligible for the STAR exemption or that such owners rent to a tenant for a term of at least twelve months and such tenant occupies such property as their primary residence.
Requires the office of victim services to immediately take such actions as are necessary to avoid the wasting of the assets until the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitation for a crime victim to bring a civil action to recover money or damages from such assets.
Establishes the office of justice court fee recovery, which is charged with collecting fees in criminal actions and other proceedings on behalf of justice courts.
Establishes a food bank for pets pilot program which provides food for cats and dogs to pet owners who have financial challenges in providing for their pets without assistance.
Establishing the Office of Employee Ownership within the Department of Community and Economic Development; establishing the Employee Ownership Advisory Board; establishing the Main Street Employee Ownership Grant Program; and providing technical and financial assistance to employee-owned enterprises.
Requires municipal officials to attempt to identify and notify the owners of a deceased dog or cat recovered on public roads by such municipal employees.
Requires municipal employees to attempt to identify and notify the owners of a deceased dog or cat recovered on public roads by such municipal employees.
Establishing the Office of Employee Ownership within the Department of Community and Economic Development; establishing the Employee Ownership Advisory Board; establishing the Main Street Employee Ownership Grant Program; and providing technical and financial assistance to employee-owned enterprises.