Bill > A09120

This bill establishes a statewide legal services program to provide free legal assistance to income-eligible domestic violence survivors in divorce proceedings. The program, implemented by the executive director of the office for the prevention of domestic violence, will offer two types of legal aid: full legal representation (ongoing legal support throughout a divorce case) and brief legal assistance (single consultations). To qualify, survivors must be New York residents aged 18 or older with household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines. The bill mandates that designated non-profit organizations provide these services and requires annual reporting to state leadership, including detailed statistics on service requests, representation outcomes, and program challenges. The program also includes provisions for training designated organizations on domestic violence issues, creating outreach materials, and ensuring that these legal services do not replace existing organizational obligations. Importantly, the bill specifies that it does not create a private right of action, and the director has the authority to exempt municipalities with comparable existing programs. The legal services program will take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9120