New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08861

Introduced
6/9/25  
Refer
6/9/25  

Caption

Establishes the community accompaniment and post-release support program in the office for new Americans to provide grants to community-based organizations that offer services to individuals released from immigration detention; defines eligible services; requires the office to establish criteria for awarding grants; requires the office to submit an annual report on the program.

Impact

If enacted, A08861 would have a substantive impact on how state laws address the needs of individuals re-entering society after detention. By empowering community organizations to offer a range of support services, the bill aims to enhance the reintegration process for formerly detained immigrants, potentially improving their access to essential resources. This initiative is expected to promote better outcomes in terms of housing stability and employment, as well as foster smoother transitions into the community for released individuals.

Summary

A08861, also known as the Community Accompaniment and Post-Release Support Program Bill, aims to amend existing legislation by establishing a new program under the Office for New Americans. This program is designed to provide grants to community-based organizations that serve individuals who have been released from immigration detention. The proposed legislation specifies several eligible services that these organizations can provide, including case management, temporary housing assistance, mental health services, legal aid, job training, and access to food assistance, among others.

Contention

Despite its positive intent, A08861 could face contention primarily over funding and resource allocation for the community-based programs. Critics may argue about the sufficiency of state resources to implement and sustain the proposed program, especially considering the various services it aims to provide. Additionally, the bill's critics could raise concerns regarding the prioritization of support for immigrants over other community needs, thus fueling discussions around equity in state funding and resource distribution.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A08862

Establishes the immigrant in-home child care training pilot program in the office for new Americans to provide training, technical assistance, and other support to immigrants seeking to establish licensed in-home daycare services; requires the office to submit an annual report on the program; authorizes the office to accept gifts, grants, devises and bequests and to use monies made available to the program to implement the program.

NY A08855

Establishes the detention support program in the office for new Americans to provide financial assistance to individuals and families of detained persons, including for bond payments to secure release from detention and travel stipends to facilitate visitation with detained individuals; establishes the detention support program fund.

NY A05443

Requires the office of victim services to publicize programs offered by the office and to include certain information in annual reports to the governor and the legislature and to make such reports public on the office's website.

NY S04584

Requires the office of victim services to publicize programs offered by the office and to include certain information in annual reports to the governor and the legislature and to make such reports public on the office's website.

NY A03399

Requires screening incarcerated individuals for eligibility for public benefits prior to release and assistance in applying for such programs; requires officials to seek waivers from the USDA for eligibility for such program.

NY S05265

Requires screening incarcerated individuals for eligibility for public benefits prior to release and assistance in applying for such programs; requires officials to seek waivers from the USDA for eligibility for such program.

NY A08994

Requires police and peace officers receive a lawful order before assisting with immigration enforcement; requires federal agents identify themselves at the request of public officers, police officers or peace officers; establishes penalties for federal agents who fail to identify themselves.

NY S04893

Establishes the New York state school resource officer program; provides for grants for school resource officers (Part A); relates to peace officers who are retired police officers employed by a school district as a school resource officer (Part B); allows retired police officers to be employed by a school district as a school safety officer, school security officer or any other substantially similar position for an annual salary of $50,000 or less to continue to receive their full retirement benefit (Part C).

NY A06733

Establishes the New York state school resource officer program; provides for grants for school resource officers (Part A); relates to peace officers who are retired police officers employed by a school district as a school resource officer (Part B); allows retired police officers to be employed by a school district as a school safety officer, school security officer or any other substantially similar position for an annual salary of $50,000 or less to continue to receive their full retirement benefit (Part C).

NY S05061

Directs DOCCS, in collaboration with OTDA, OMH and OASAS, to establish a 5-year reintegration pilot program for individuals being released from correctional facilities to provide supports and services to prepare for release, assist with reintegration into the community, and reduce recidivism.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.