NY A10166

Prohibits social services officials from accepting deeds or mortgages on behalf of social services districts, effective with this 2016 amendment.

Exempts previously accepted deeds and mortgages (before the effective date) from recovery of SNAP, child care services, Emergency Assistance to Adults, HEAP, and public assistance reimbursed by child support collections.

Requires social services officials to obtain signed acknowledgment from applicants or recipients that SNAP and similar benefits cannot be included in recovery and that declining to provide a lien or mortgage does not affect children's eligibility for public assistance.

Mandates biennial accountings of public assistance, repairs, and taxes paid on properties, with penalties that prevent recovery for two fiscal years if accountings are not issued by the required deadline.

Establishes redemption rights allowing property owners to reclaim deeds or mortgages by paying expenses, with minimum one-year redemption periods and requiring department approval for redemptions for lesser sums based on property appraisals.