BILL NUMBER: S1631
SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to making certain
housing programs available regardless of immigration status
 
PURPOSE:
This bill authorizes the city of New York to expand eligibility of
CityFHEPS, a New York City rental assistance program, to individuals and
families regardless of immigration status.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends the social service law, adding a new
section 131-bbb to allow individuals within the city of New York to be
eligible for CityFHEPS rental assistance regardless of their immigration
status. This section also clarifies that money appropriated by the State
for the purposes of this program shall be available for this purpose.
Section 2 of the bill sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Federal law provides that undocumented persons may be eligible for
public benefits from state and local government if the state enacts a
law providing for such eligibility. Enabling the City of New York to
provide undocumented persons with vouchers through the City's rental
assistance program, CityFHEPS, this bill will reduce the number of
people depending on the temporary shelter system.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Some additional cost for CityFHEPS vouchers, partly or perhaps fully
offset by savings in shelter costs.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022: (Kavanagh) - Social Services
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.