Bill > A06477

This bill establishes the Office of Reentry Services within the Division of Criminal Justice Services to help incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities after release. The office will be led by a director appointed by the commissioner, who will have the power to manage staff, request assistance from other state agencies, and implement comprehensive reentry support programs. These programs include screening individuals within seven days of their sentence to assess their medical needs, education, and job readiness, and providing a dedicated caseworker who will meet with incarcerated individuals at key points before and after release. The office will offer critical assistance such as connecting individuals to public benefits, mental health and substance use services, job training, housing options, and transportation upon release. Additionally, the office will create and maintain a public directory of reentry support services and ensure that incarcerated individuals have access to health insurance upon release. The bill mandates that the office will provide reentry assistance for the duration of an individual's confinement and up to three years after their release. The governor's annual budget will separately state and protect the recommended appropriations for this office, and the act will take effect on the first day of January following its enactment.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6477