Bill > A03590

This bill amends the executive law to establish a comprehensive, 24-hour, toll-free hotline and website specifically designed to support runaway and homeless youth. The new service will provide immediate support, referrals, and resource lists to help young people in crisis, offering information about a wide range of critical services across the state. These services include food and hygiene resources, public transportation, shelters, youth centers, mental health clinics, suicide prevention programs, gender identity counseling, reproductive health clinics, immigration services, veteran's assistance, disability services, domestic violence support, addiction counseling, sexual assault prevention services, legal aid, and help obtaining legal identification. The hotline is designed to be linguistically and culturally competent, with a focus on supporting high-risk and specialized populations. Additionally, the bill maintains existing requirements for runaway and homeless youth services, such as contacting local social services districts when appropriate and providing information about re-entering foster care. The new hotline and website will take effect one year after the bill becomes law, ensuring time for proper implementation and preparation.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3590