NY A10162

Increases civil penalties for violations of immigrant assistance service regulations from $7,500 to $15,000 per violation.

Establishes registration requirement for immigration assistance service providers with the Secretary of State, including $50 biennial registration fee and background checks for criminal convictions or civil judgments.

Creates supplemental civil penalties up to $10,000 for consumer fraud against immigrant assistance service users, with 50% of penalties deposited into a new Immigrant Assistance Service Stability Fund for investigation and prosecution.

Makes third and subsequent violations of the article a Class E felony (previously all violations were Class A misdemeanors), while maintaining restitution and reparation options for victims.

Prohibits unregistered providers from offering immigrant assistance services and operating without registration; unregistered providers cannot maintain civil lawsuits to collect payment for services.