Bill > A06990

This bill establishes a reentry assistance program that provides financial support to eligible incarcerated individuals upon their release from state correctional facilities. The program will offer a monthly stipend of at least $425 for up to six months, with a maximum total payout of $2,550 per individual. To be eligible, an incarcerated person must have served at least six months and not previously received funds from the program. The initial payment will be made immediately upon release in cash or check form, with subsequent monthly payments processed by the community supervision agency. The bill creates a special "reentry assistance fund" with an initial appropriation of $25 million, and stipulates that these payments will not affect eligibility for other public assistance programs. The department is required to collect and report annual data on program participation, and the commissioner will develop rules and regulations for implementation. Notably, the program does not apply to individuals released to federal or other state custody. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with preparatory rule-making allowed immediately.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6990