NY A09180

Repeals and replaces Section 341 of the Social Services Law to establish new procedures for welfare-to-work program participation and non-compliance.

Requires social services districts to provide notice to participants of non-compliance failures, explain what constitutes good cause for exemption (including domestic violence and health limitations), and allow participants to request conciliation within 7 days (Safety Net) or 10 days (Family Assistance).

Mandates conciliation procedures conducted by trained supervisory staff or independent entities with no direct responsibility for the participant's case to mediate disputes before sanctions are imposed.

Allows fair hearings to be conducted via video conferencing equipment that enables parties to see and hear each other, reducing costs for participants unwilling to participate without good cause.

Specifies sanctions for non-compliance: Family Assistance participants receive pro-rata benefit reductions per federal law; Safety Net participants have assistance denied per Section 342, with options to end sanctions after meeting compliance requirements.