Bill > A01593

This bill amends New York state social services law to provide financial assistance for individuals with disabilities who use guide dogs, hearing dogs, or service dogs. Specifically, the bill requires social services officials to provide monthly support for food and veterinary expenses for people receiving certain federal benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The regulations must set a minimum monthly assistance amount of $50, and the state will fully reimburse social services districts for these expenses. Importantly, the bill clarifies that a "service dog" does not need to be officially certified to qualify for assistance; it simply needs to be individually trained to help a person with a disability perform specific tasks. The legislation eliminates the previous section 303-a of the social services law and will take effect 180 days after becoming law, providing a clear framework to support individuals who rely on service animals for daily functioning.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1593