Bill > A09646

This bill establishes a multi-part system to address liability insurance costs for voluntary foster care agencies. Part A requires these agencies to participate in assigned risk plans, which are insurance pools managed by the state to ensure coverage is available, and mandates that these plans offer professional liability and sexual abuse/molestation coverage. Part B directs the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to create payment standards for liability insurance costs, starting with the 2027-2028 rate year, to ensure that state aid rates accurately reflect year-over-year increases in these costs, and establishes an application process for agencies to request rate adjustments due to rising insurance expenses. Part C creates the "voluntary foster care agency insurance bridge fund," a state fund to help offset increased liability insurance costs for these agencies, and outlines an application process managed by OCFS for eligible agencies to receive money from this fund, requiring documentation of increased insurance costs, foster care placements, and an active license.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9646