New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09195

Introduced
11/3/25  
Refer
11/3/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
5/5/26  
Engrossed
5/11/26  

Caption

Prohibits a property owner from enforcing or adopting a restriction that prohibits one or more religious items from being displayed or affixed on any entry door or entry doorframe of a dwelling.

Impact

The impact of A09195 can be significant, as it would modify existing state laws to prevent property owners, landlords, and homeowners' associations from restricting the display of religious items. While exceptions to this rule exist for displays that threaten public safety, violate laws, or are deemed obscene or overly intrusive, the main thrust of the bill is to empower residents and ensure their ability to express religious beliefs visually at their homes. This aligns state law more closely with protections in other personal expression contexts.

Summary

Bill A09195 seeks to amend the Civil Rights Law in New York by prohibiting property owners and controlling entities from enforcing restrictions that prevent the display of religious items on the entry or entry doorframes of dwellings. This legislation aims to protect individuals' rights to express their religious beliefs openly in their homes, fostering a greater recognition of spiritual expression within residential areas. As such, the bill emphasizes respect for individual choices related to religious displays at one's dwelling, enhancing personal rights under the state's civil rights framework.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention, particularly from property owners and controlling entities who argue that unfettered religious displays could lead to disputes or conflicts among residents of diverse backgrounds. Concerns revolve around potential interpretations of 'obtrusive' size, and what constitutes a legitimate threat to public safety, raising questions about neighborhood harmony versus individual rights. Debates are likely to continue regarding the balance between personal freedoms and community standards in residential settings, highlighting an ongoing tension in legislative discussions about property rights versus civil liberties.

Companion Bills

NY S04466

Same As Prohibits a property owner from enforcing or adopting a restriction that prohibits one or more religious items from being displayed or affixed on any entry door or entry doorframe of a dwelling.

Previously Filed As

NY S04466

Prohibits a property owner from enforcing or adopting a restriction that prohibits one or more religious items from being displayed or affixed on any entry door or entry doorframe of a dwelling.

NY A03460

Prohibits a property owner from enforcing or adopting a restriction that prohibits one or more religious items from being displayed or affixed on any entry door or entry doorframe of a dwelling.

NY SB201

Prohibits certain restrictions on the display of religious or cultural items under certain circumstances. (BDR 10-122)

NY A04678

Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.

NY S01694

Prohibits recording of the entrance or exit of a school ground or the entrance or exit to a property that contains school grounds within its boundaries.

NY HB1236

Real Property – Prohibition on Restrictions of Accessory Dwelling Units – Historic District Exemption

NY A1623

Prohibits flags of designated terrorist organizations from being displayed or flown on State property.

NY A08362

Prohibits certain restrictions on motor vehicle sales or use.

NY S07882

Prohibits a person or entity from knowingly or with reckless disregard facilitate an agreement between or among two or more residential rental property owners or managers to not compete with respect to residential rental dwelling units, including by operating or licensing a software, data analytics service, or algorithmic device that performs a coordinating function on behalf of or between and among such residential rental property owners or managers.

NY HB2311

Prohibiting the secretary from adopting and enforcing policies for placement, custody and appointment of a custodian that may conflict with sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity and creating a right of action for violations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.