Bill > A08855

This bill establishes a Detention Support Program within the Office for New Americans to provide financial assistance to individuals and families of detained persons. The program will offer two primary types of support: bond payments to help secure release from detention and travel stipends to facilitate visitation with detained individuals. The bill creates a dedicated detention support program fund, which will be managed jointly by the state comptroller and the commissioner of taxation and finance. The office will develop eligibility criteria prioritizing individuals and families facing financial hardship, and will establish a grant or reimbursement process that may require specific documentation. The program will also coordinate with community-based organizations to ensure accessibility and will be required to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature detailing the total funds disbursed, number of individuals assisted, and recommendations for future funding. The bill emphasizes transparency by mandating publicly available data on program expenditures, while protecting personally identifiable information. The program will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with preparatory administrative actions authorized immediately.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8855