Bill > A01130

This bill establishes a statewide group home families working group, which will be a committee of eleven members appointed by various government leaders, primarily consisting of people with developmental disabilities who live in group homes or their family members and guardians. The group's primary responsibilities include advising the commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities on matters important to group home residents and their families, providing recommendations for statewide and regional priorities, and soliciting input from current and former group home residents and their families. Members will serve three-year terms, meet at least four times per year, and will not receive compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses. The working group is required to submit annual reports to the commissioner, governor, and legislature by January 30th, reviewing matters of concern related to group homes and offering recommendations for future action. The bill also modifies existing mental hygiene law to incorporate this new working group into statewide planning processes, ensuring their recommendations are considered in comprehensive service plans for people with developmental disabilities. Members will be chosen to represent diverse perspectives, including representatives from the governor's office, state senate, and assembly, with a focus on including those with direct experience in group home settings.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1130