Bill > S04762

This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for homeless shelters during a state disaster emergency, specifically focused on epidemics or disease outbreaks. The legislation mandates that all social services districts and homeless shelter operators must provide private rooms with private bathrooms to homeless individuals and families through direct placement in hotels, motels, or other living facilities. Shelters must screen employees and volunteers for symptoms before each shift, provide adequate supervision and services, and comply with all Department of Health policies related to disease prevention, including testing, symptom monitoring, cleaning, disinfection, and social distancing. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is required to create an outreach network to contact unsheltered homeless individuals and offer them safe transportation to accommodation. Additionally, homeless shelters must report daily the number of residents and staff with confirmed infections to local and state health departments, with the Department of Health required to publish de-identified weekly data. The state will reimburse 100% of the implementation costs, minus applicable federal funds, ensuring that these protective measures can be implemented without financial burden to shelter operators.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4762