Hochul in talks to call special session over Supreme Court ruling on eviction moratorium

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Friday pushed back on a United States Supreme Court ruling that allows evictions to resume across the United States.

In a statement, Hochul said she was "very disappointed" and said her administration is exploring all options, including talking with legislative leaders.

The court’s action late Thursday ends protections for roughly 3.5 million people in the United States who said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to Census Bureau data from early August.

New York State’s eviction moratorium is expected to expire on Aug. 31, but the state does offer some funding through its Emergency Rental Assistance Program. People who live in Rochester and Monroe County are not eligible for the state’s portal and must use an area-specific program.

The state’s program has faced criticism for its slow rollout of payments.

Hochul said in part:

"It is critical that New Yorkers know that anyone who applies to the rent relief program will automatically be protected from eviction while their application is pending. More than $800 million has already been already disbursed or is now ready for landlords to accept on behalf of their tenants. More than $1 billion remains available for relief and resources are available through community organizations to help New Yorkers apply, receive eviction protection, and pay their rent. New Yorkers should complete and submit their applications immediately. This is urgent."

At around 3:45 p.m. Friday, Hochul announced she was in talks with the Senate Majority Leader and Assembly Speaker to call a special session in order to address the "impending eviction crisis" she believes will come after the Supreme Court’s decision.

Hochul said their teams will be working through the weekend to address how to deliver relief to renters as quickly as possible.