NY A05190

Exempts parents and caretaker relatives of eligible children from losing public assistance benefits if lack of appropriate, suitable, and reasonably accessible child care prevents them from complying with work requirements.

Adds child care lack as an exemption category under Social Services Law Section 332, allowing parents to maintain eligibility during periods when child care prevents program participation.

Requires that any child care considered must reflect parental preferences and be included in the parent's assessment to qualify for the exemption.

Applies the child care exemption to both the general ineligibility provisions and specific work activity requirements under Social Services Law.

Takes effect 120 days after becoming law, with regulatory changes authorized immediately upon enactment.