New York Senate Bill S01056

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Engrossed: 5/5/25
• Refer: 5/5/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to the provision of criminal history background checks free of charge to mentoring programs operated by not-for-profit corporations.

Summary

Bill S01056 amends the social services law and the executive law to provide criminal history background checks free of charge to mentoring programs operated by not-for-profit corporations. This legislation aims to facilitate the safety and security of youth by ensuring that mentors are properly vetted without imposing financial burdens on the organizations that provide these valuable services. The bill outlines the process for obtaining background checks, including the requirement for fingerprinting and the submission of necessary information to the division of criminal justice services.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact state laws by eliminating the processing fees associated with criminal history background checks for not-for-profit mentoring programs. This change is expected to encourage more organizations to participate in mentoring initiatives, thereby enhancing youth development opportunities. By making background checks more accessible, the bill aims to improve the overall safety of mentoring programs across New York State.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S01056 has been overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in both the Senate Children and Families Committee and the Senate Floor. Supporters emphasize the importance of providing safe mentoring environments for youth, and the bill's provisions are seen as a necessary step in promoting such initiatives.

Contention

There were no notable points of contention during the discussions surrounding Bill S01056. The bill received strong bipartisan support, with no opposing votes recorded in committee or on the Senate floor. The lack of dissent suggests a shared recognition of the importance of supporting mentoring programs and ensuring the safety of youth involved.