Bill > A08509

This bill amends the social services law to remove the requirement that homeless families with dependent children in Westchester County contribute their earned income towards room and board or as a condition for receiving temporary housing assistance. The bill specifically applies to various types of temporary housing providers, including family shelters, hotels, emergency apartments, domestic violence shelters, and transitional units. Importantly, the bill clarifies that the state will still reimburse Westchester County for temporary housing at a 100% rate, as if income contributions were still being collected. The legislation does not create any additional obligations for Westchester County to provide temporary housing assistance and is set to take effect on the first day of January following its passage, with a two-year sunset provision that will automatically repeal the law after that period. The goal appears to be providing more flexible support for homeless families by removing financial barriers to accessing temporary housing assistance.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8509