New York Assembly Bill A08509

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Removes the requirement that any earned income from a homeless family in Westchester county receiving temporary housing assistance be applied to room and board, or to eliminate a need for temporary housing assistance, or as a condition to receive temporary housing assistance.

Summary

A08509 would amend the New York Social Services Law to prohibit Westchester County from requiring homeless families with dependent children to apply any earned income toward room and board, to reduce or eliminate their need for temporary housing assistance, or as a condition of receiving that assistance. The bill applies to families receiving temporary housing or short-term housing in Westchester County, including family shelters, hotels, emergency apartments, domestic violence shelters, and transitional units. The measure also provides that the state may not reimburse Westchester County at less than 100 percent for temporary housing provided to homeless families with earned income, and it directs that the county be treated as though it were still collecting household contributions. At the same time, the bill states that it does not create any new obligation for Westchester County to provide temporary housing assistance or short-term housing. The act would take effect on January 1 following enactment and would expire two years later.

Impact

The bill would create a narrow, county-specific exception to existing social services rules by overriding any contrary law, rule, or regulation for Westchester County homeless families with dependent children. It would eliminate earned-income contribution requirements tied to temporary housing assistance and would affect how reimbursement is calculated for county-provided temporary housing, while leaving the county’s underlying duty to provide housing assistance unchanged. The affected parties are Westchester County, temporary housing providers, and homeless families with children receiving emergency or short-term shelter assistance.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a protective, family-supportive policy aimed at reducing barriers for homeless households with children. There were no recorded committee transcripts or votes provided, so there is no documented opposition or support from floor or committee debate in the available materials. The caption and structure of the bill suggest a generally sympathetic approach toward low-income and homeless families.

Contention

The main policy tension is between relieving homeless families of income contribution requirements and preserving county fiscal or administrative practices tied to those contributions. Supporters would likely view the bill as preventing families from being forced to spend scarce earned income on shelter costs or as a condition of receiving aid, while potential critics could focus on the reimbursement language, the county-specific mandate, and the possibility of increased costs or reduced local flexibility for Westchester County. The bill also explicitly avoids creating any new housing obligation, which may reflect an effort to limit opposition from the county or state over expanded service duties.