NEW YORK (WBNG) -- On Oct. 21, the New York State Assembly heard testimony from state and local officials on the Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants, or REST, Act.

If passed into law, the legislation would allow for cities, towns and villages across the state to opt into rent regulation policies.

As it stands, local governments are required to conduct an annual housing survey in hopes of showing a vacancy rate below 5%.

The act would authorize a city with a population of one million or more to use public data to declare a housing emergency if the vacancy rate exceeds 5%.

Syracuse City Auditor Alexander Marion highlighted the need for reform in his city and others across the state at the hearing.

“We have some serious challenges in our housing market, and I believe the REST Act is

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