Authorizes shelters for victims of domestic violence to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for double occupancy where a single occupancy room is not available.
Impact
If enacted, this legislation would directly affect domestic violence shelters by allowing them to recover costs associated with housing individuals in double occupancy rooms. The tiered approach to reimbursements—that starts at 25% for the fiscal year beginning April 2026 and escalates to 100% by 2029—encourages shelters to continue providing services despite fiscal constraints. This reflects a growing recognition of the need for immediate support for those affected by domestic violence and represents an important financial backing for such critical services.
Summary
Bill A03264 seeks to amend the social services law in New York to authorize domestic violence shelters to receive reimbursement for the additional costs incurred when a single individual is housed in a double occupancy room if no single occupancy room is available. This is designed to ensure that shelters can accommodate victims of domestic violence without financial penalties, thereby improving their capacity to assist those in urgent need of safe housing. The bill outlines a phased reimbursement structure that increases over the years, providing an incentive for shelters to provide necessary services while alleviating some of the financial burdens they face.
Contention
There may be differing opinions surrounding the funding and financial sustainability aspects of A03264. Some legislators might contend that the reimbursement levels could be insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred by shelters, while others could express concerns about the potential burden this places on state budgets. Additionally, the emphasis on reimbursement could lead to debates on whether this model effectively meets the needs of all domestic violence victims, or if it requires more comprehensive reform for social services funding related to domestic violence.
Same As
Authorizes shelters for victims of domestic violence to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for double occupancy where a single occupancy room is not available.
Authorizes shelters for victims of domestic violence to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for double occupancy where a single occupancy room is not available.
ROOM) ACT (Expands access to inherently affordable housing by re-legalizing co-living/single-room occupancy (SRO) and shared dwelling models of many types.
Authorizes the town of Clinton to impose a 3% occupancy tax upon persons occupying hotel or motel rooms in such town; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.
Authorizes the town of Clinton to impose a 3% occupancy tax upon persons occupying hotel or motel rooms in such town; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.
Provides for temporary exemptions to educational institutions from certain requirements related to the use of multi-occupancy bathrooms and locker rooms; authorizes the use of state building aid for related facility improvements.
Provides for temporary exemptions to educational institutions from certain requirements related to the use of multi-occupancy bathrooms and locker rooms; authorizes the use of state building aid for related facility improvements.
Establishes a persistent domestic violence offender registry of individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses, which is available for public inquiry.