BILL NUMBER: S4756
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to enacting the "Velmanette
Montgomery YouthBuild act"; setting program requirements; authorizing
the commissioner of labor to make grants to eligible YouthBuild programs
and to establish application requirements; and to expand the number of
YouthBuild programs across New York state
 
PURPOSE:
To enact the "Velmanette Montgomery YouthBuild act," a comprehensive
system for supporting YouthBuild programs in New York State. Under this
bill, the Commissioner of Labor would establish a grant program from
amounts provided by appropriation and make grants eligible to applicants
who operate a YouthBuild program that is compliant with the terms estab-
lished in this bill.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill establishes the short law's title - "Velmanette
Montgomery YouthBuild act." Section two sets forth the legislative
intent. Section three amends the labor law by adding a new section. This
new section sets the YouthBuild program service requirements and estab-
lishes the eligibility requirements for participation therein.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Started in East Harlem in 1978, YouthBuild is a comprehensive program
that focuses on education, job training, leadership development, commu-
nity service, and helping youth develop life skills. Participants learn
vocational skills in construction, as well as healthcare, information
technology, and hospitality. Participants also provide community service
through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable hous-
ing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods.
Participants split their time between the vocational training work site
and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equiv-
alency, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for postsecondary
training opportunities, including college, apprenticeships, and employ-
ment. Supportive services address barriers throughout participation in
the program, and may include counseling, life skills training, drug and
alcohol abuse education, and prevention. Participants may be referred to
appropriate drug rehabilitation, medical, mental health, legal, housing,
and other services and resources in the community. As of 2018, Youth-
Build has operated 18 programs across New York State. It is the intent
of this legislation to support YouthBuild programs and expand the number
of programs in the state.
 
EXISTING LAW:
None.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: Passed Senate
2023-24: Referred to Labor
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect one year after it has become law.