Bill > A04502

This bill amends the social services law to expand educational opportunities for public assistance recipients subject to work participation requirements. Specifically, the bill allows homework assigned by educational institutions to count towards work activity requirements for participants engaged in certain educational or training programs. The bill increases the percentage of time proprietary vocational schools can devote to high school equivalency or English proficiency preparation from 25% to 50%. It also provides more flexibility for social services districts in assigning participants to educational activities, particularly for those aged 18-19, by allowing districts to consider whether the participant already possesses the skills needed for their chosen employment goal. The bill clarifies that homework, including up to one hour of unsupervised homework per hour of class time plus additional supervised homework, can be counted towards work activity requirements, as long as this does not prevent the social services district from meeting federal and state participation rates. The changes aim to support public assistance recipients in pursuing education and training that can lead to sustained employment while maintaining the overall goals of work participation programs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4502