NY S00539

Repeals and replaces section 341 of the Social Services Law to create a conciliation process for welfare-to-work program noncompliance, allowing districts to resolve disputes before imposing sanctions.

Requires social services districts to provide verbal or written notice of noncompliance explaining good cause exemptions (including domestic violence and health limitations) and allow participants 7-10 days to request conciliation.

Permits districts to conduct conciliation at the same time as verbal notice or requires appointment of independent mediators or trained supervisory staff with no direct case responsibility to mediate disputes.

Allows fair hearings to be conducted using video conferencing equipment, and prohibits benefit sanctions during the conciliation process.

Exempts residents of cities with populations of one million or more from these conciliation requirements and takes effect 120 days after becoming law.