NY A05119

Repeals and replaces section 341 of social services law to establish a conciliation process for welfare-to-work program participation disputes before sanctions are imposed.

Requires social services districts to provide verbal or written notice of noncompliance explaining the failure or refusal to participate, good cause exceptions, and acceptable evidence (including domestic violence, health limitations).

Establishes a right to conciliation within 7 days for safety net participants and 10 days for family assistance participants, with determination required within 14 days for safety net and 30 days for family assistance participants.

Allows fair hearings to be conducted via video conferencing equipment and permits sanctions only after determining failure or refusal was willful and without good cause.

Exempts persons residing in cities with populations of one million or more people from these conciliation and notice requirements; takes effect 120 days after enactment.