NY A08494

Establishes a special "Hospitality Gift Fund for the Homeless" in the state treasury, jointly managed by the Comptroller and Commissioner of Taxation and Finance, to fund grants and contracts with not-for-profit entities providing services to homeless and at-risk populations.

Creates a voluntary $2 per unit per day hotel fee, effective October 1, 2011, collected from hotel operators who register as collection agents, with exemptions for permanent residents and occupancies under $2 per day rent.

Requires at least 85 percent of appropriated funds be allocated through grants and contracts with tax-exempt entities annually, with funds supplementing rather than replacing existing federal, state, or local homeless services funding.

Authorizes the Commissioner to accept gifts and bequests from private individuals, corporations, and foundations for deposit into the fund, with investment income returned to the fund.

Mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature beginning February 1, 2013, detailing fund deposits, persons served, services provided, estimated state and local savings, and program evaluation.