Bill > A05077

This bill requires municipal corporations (counties, cities, towns, or villages) to approve any facility intending to house asylum seekers before it can be established, creating a comprehensive review process for such facilities. The bill defines asylum seekers as individuals who have changed their country of residence to seek temporary or permanent residence and have applied for or are eligible to apply for asylum under U.S. immigration law. The approval process mandates that facilities submit a detailed plan including purpose, capacity, security measures, and potential community impacts, and must include public notice and hearings to allow residents and stakeholders to express their views. The review must also evaluate the availability of public services, potential social, economic, and environmental impacts, and involves collaboration with relevant state agencies. Municipal corporations must render a decision within 8 weeks of the approval request, and if a facility is denied, the operator may appeal the decision through appropriate administrative channels. The bill aims to provide local governments with oversight and community input into the establishment of asylum seeker housing facilities, ensuring that local concerns and impacts are carefully considered before such facilities can be opened.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5077