BILL NUMBER: S4474
SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to requiring quar-
terly inspections of homeless shelters
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this LBD is to direct the Commissioner for the Office of
Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), to increase the accountabil-
ity of shelter service providers by increasing the number of Division
Shelter Oversight and Compliance (DSOC) yearly inspections.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Section 20 of the social services law is amended by adding 2
a new subdivision 9 to read as follows: Directs the Commissioner for the
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to promulgate rules
and regulations requiring quarterly inspections of homeless shelters.
Section 2: Sets Effective Date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York has seen an increased number of sheltered individuals since
2005, with New York City reaching the highest level since the Great
Depression. Additionally, individuals are staying in shelters longer as
those transitioning into supportive housing has hit aò14-year low for
single adults. Due to these trends, shelters are experiencing a greater
strain on resources and space.
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) must increase
the accountability of providers to supply safe and healthy facilities,
in addition to the required services that help displaced/homeless indi-
viduals transition into permanent housing options.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S251.4 (Ratios) Referred to Social Services / A9165 (Meeks)
referred to social services
2021-22: 5673 (Ramos) Referred to Social Services
2019-20: S7086 (Ramos) Referred to Social Services i A9687 (Hevesi )
referred to social services
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4474: 20 social services law