New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00821

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Specifies the persons authorized to visit facilities operated by the department of social services or a social services district and homeless projects; amends the definition of homeless project.

Impact

The implications of A00821 extend to how governmental oversight operates within social services institutions. By giving specific government officials and community leaders authorized access to these facilities, the bill facilitates better monitoring of conditions and services provided. Proponents of the amendment argue that this measure is crucial for accountability, particularly in adult care settings and homeless projects, where vulnerable populations reside. The intended effect is to enhance checks and balances within social services by allowing officials to observe and verify the quality of care provided directly.

Summary

Bill A00821 aims to amend the social services law to specify which individuals are authorized to visit facilities operated by the Department of Social Services or social services districts, including adult care facilities and homeless projects. The bill designates a range of individuals including the governor, lieutenant governor, state comptroller, attorney general, members of the legislature, local legislative bodies, judges, and clergymen as permissible visitors at such facilities. This framework is intended to enhance oversight and ensure transparency in the operations of these facilities.

Contention

There could be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding privacy concerns and the rights of individuals within these facilities. Opponents may argue that increased access for government officials could infringe on the privacy rights of residents, particularly in sensitive settings like adult care facilities. Additionally, there might be concerns about the potential for mismanagement or overreach by governmental bodies in how they exercise this newfound access. Discussion may also arise about whether this access serves to improve services or merely creates another layer of bureaucracy without tangible benefits to the residents themselves.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY HCR180

Requesting The Statewide Office On Homelessness And Housing Solutions, Department Of Law Enforcement, Homeless Coordinators Of Each County, County Law Enforcement, And Social Services Providers To Work Collaboratively And Effectively To Address Homelessness In Hawaii.

NY HB190

Homelessness Services For Lgbtq+

NY A01565

Establishes the homeless protection act which designates certain offenses against homeless persons as hate crimes; includes the definition of homelessness.

NY S05816

Establishes the homeless protection act which designates certain offenses against homeless persons as hate crimes; includes the definition of homelessness.

NY H0951

Homelessness

NY SSB1195

A bill for an act relating to homelessness including unauthorized use of public land, sanctioned camping, drug-free homeless service zones, and funding for homeless services, and providing penalties.

NY HSB286

A bill for an act relating to homelessness including unauthorized use of public land, sanctioned camping, drug-free homeless service zones, and funding for homeless services, and providing penalties.

NY AB220

Authorizes the issuance of identification cards by the Department of Health and Human Services to persons experiencing homelessness under certain circumstances. (BDR 38-671)

NY A02726

Includes both the birth family and the foster family of children in foster care, and other families receiving child welfare services from the authorized agency or the local departments of social services in the case of authorized agencies in the definition of family for purposes of services provided by voluntary foster care agency health facilities.

NY S09237

Includes both the birth family and the foster family of children in foster care, and other families receiving child welfare services from the authorized agency or the local departments of social services in the case of authorized agencies in the definition of family for purposes of services provided by voluntary foster care agency health facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.