ALBANY, NY (WENY)--AT A TIME WHEN SHORT TERM RENTALS LIKE AIRbNB'S BECOME MORE POPULAR WITHIN THE HOUSING MARKET, LAWMAKERS WANT TO STRENGTHEN REGULATIONS BY PASSING A BILL THAT WOULD ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE REGISTRY.

SOME LAWMAKERS SAid THIS legislation WOULD ADD TO A DECADE OLD LAW THAT ESTABLISHED SOME REGULATIONS FOR SHORT TERM RENTALS-- INCLUDING A REGISTRY IN NEW YORK CITY.  
 
“It is critically important that we establish the same rights and protections for the rest of the state,” said Sen. Liz Krueger (D-28th Senate District).
 
THE LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO TAX SHORT TERM RENTALS FOR OCCUPANCY.  
 
SOME REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SAid A REGISTRY ISN’T NECESSARY.  
 
“To require there to be a statewide database, it just doesn’t make sense to me. It seems to be just another mandate. It’s going to be another bureaucratic expense that the state goes through,” said Sen. Tom O’Mara (R-Big Flats).
 
SOME DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS SAY THIS LEGISLATION WOULD NOT ONLY BETTER REGULATE SHORT-TERM rentals, BUT IT WOULD ULTIMATELY HELP ADDRESS AFFORDABLE HOUSING.  
 
“The bill will protect affordable housing in New York State. The bill will stop the decimation of neighborhoods that have become tourist traps,” said Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal (D-Assembly District 67).
 
THE BILL HAS TO PASS BOTH HOUSES BEFORE THE END OF THE WEEK and sOME LAWMAKERS SAid THE BILL IS MAKING PROGRESS