Bill > S02257

This bill modifies the Social Services Law to extend the timeframe for certain public assistance benefit applicants to request a fair hearing regarding their ability to participate in work activities. Under the current law, applicants have ten days from receiving a medical professional's disability determination to request a fair hearing. The proposed bill would expand this period to sixty days from either the date of the medical determination notice or the date of receiving a work activity assignment. The bill also updates gender-specific language to use gender-neutral terms like "they" instead of "he or she". Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions that prevent work assignment enforcement during the hearing process if the applicant contests the determination, while still allowing for limited work assignments that do not conflict with the alleged medical condition. The legislation also preserves the district's ability to impose sanctions if medical evidence shows the applicant intentionally misrepresented their medical condition. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2257