Bill > A05461

This bill amends the Social Services Law to modify provisions related to conciliation and non-compliance with public assistance employment requirements. The key changes include: 1. Repealing Section 341 and amending Section 341-a (now Section 341) to establish a "re-engagement process" where participants can avoid a pro-rata reduction in public assistance benefits by agreeing to comply with requirements, notifying the district they are exempt, or resolving non-compliance issues through a conciliation conference. 2. Repealing Section 342 and amending Section 342-a (now Section 342) to specify the conditions under which an individual can be deemed ineligible for public assistance due to non-compliance, including providing good cause exceptions related to lack of child care or medical conditions. 3. Amending the fair hearing process for disability determinations, allowing limited work assignments pending the hearing and providing for potential sanctions if the district determines the individual misrepresented their medical condition. The bill aims to provide a more robust process for addressing non-compliance with public assistance employment requirements while ensuring appropriate accommodations and good cause exceptions are considered.