Bill > A00745

This bill aims to eliminate rent and income contributions for homeless individuals and families receiving temporary housing assistance. Specifically, the bill prohibits any local or state government, agency, or housing provider from requiring homeless individuals or families to pay room and board or contribute any earned or unearned income, benefits, or resources as a condition of receiving temporary housing assistance. The bill broadly defines temporary housing assistance to include various types of shelters and housing arrangements, such as family shelters, adult shelters, cluster site apartments, transitional housing, emergency apartments, domestic violence shelters, and shelters for specific populations like veterans and refugees. The legislation also establishes penalties for providers who violate this provision, including being required to return collected funds and potentially facing civil penalties up to $500 per violation. Providers found to repeatedly violate the law may be disqualified from receiving public funding for up to five years, with a process for appealing such disqualification. The bill is designed to reduce financial barriers that might prevent homeless individuals and families from accessing necessary temporary housing support.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A745