Section 1200. Studies for establishing state equalization rates

1. At
  least once in every three years in all cities and towns, the state board
  shall, as part of its  procedure  for  establishing  state  equalization
  rates  pursuant  to  this  article,  sample  the ratio of assessments to
  market values for each major type of taxable real  property  as  of  the
  same  date  or  period of time.  In each special assessing unit and each
  approved assessing unit which has  adopted  the  provisions  of  section
  nineteen hundred three of this chapter the state board shall also sample
  the  ratio of assessments to market values for each class and each class
  in each portion as those terms are defined in section  eighteen  hundred
  two  and  section nineteen hundred one of this chapter.  Upon completion
  of each such study, the results thereof shall be filed in the office  of
  the state board as a public record, but until such completion, the study
  shall  not be a public record and shall not be subject to the provisions
  of article six of the public officers law.
    2. A study conducted pursuant to subdivision one of this section shall
  be known as a "market value survey". Each market value survey  shall  be
  identified by the year containing the date as of which the full value of
  taxable  real  property  is  estimated for purposes of that market value
  survey, which date shall be known as the "valuation date" of that market
  value survey.
    3. A market value survey conducted pursuant to this section  shall  be
  based  upon  any  data  collected  or  maintained  by  the  state board,
  including sales data, data made available by local assessors  concerning
  physical  characteristics  of  parcels, the value of such parcels or the
  aggregate full value of some or all of the parcels within the  assessing
  unit.    The  state  board  shall  promulgate  rules to provide that the
  quality and accuracy of the data concerning physical characteristics  of
  the  parcels  and  any  other  data  provided  by  local  assessors  are
  sufficient for use in the conduct of the market value survey.  Where the
  state board determines that the local data is of sufficient quality  and
  accuracy  for  use  in the market value survey, the assessing unit shall
  provide such data to the board at the board's request.
    4. The state board shall prepare and submit a report to the  governor,
  the  president  pro  tem  of  the senate and the speaker of the assembly
  concerning the quality of local assessment practices found  through  the
  market  value  survey.  Such  report  shall  be  presented no later than
  December thirty-first of the second year following the year in  which  a
  new  market value survey is first utilized in the establishment of state
  equalization rates pursuant  to  section  twelve  hundred  two  of  this
  article.
    5.  For  purposes  of this article, and any procedure required herein,
  the state board may determine the aggregate full value of any  assessing
  unit,  portion of an assessing unit or class within an assessing unit in
  determining the ratio of assessments to market value in the  calculation
  of any rate or ratio.