Bill > S03787

This bill aims to eliminate rent and income contributions for individuals and families receiving temporary housing assistance in New York State. The legislation 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 short-term housing options, such as family shelters, adult shelters, cluster site apartments, emergency apartments, domestic violence shelters, veterans' shelters, and shelters for refugees and trafficking victims. If a housing provider is found to be collecting such payments, they may be required to return the funds and could face civil penalties up to $500 per violation. Repeated violations could result in the provider being ineligible for public funding for up to five years, though they may apply to have this disqualification lifted by demonstrating corrective actions and that future violations are unlikely. The act will take effect 30 days after becoming law, providing immediate protection for homeless individuals seeking temporary housing assistance.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3787