NY A05573

Repeals and replaces section 341 of the Social Services Law to establish new procedures for welfare-to-work program compliance, including notice requirements and conciliation processes for public assistance recipients who fail to participate.

Requires social services districts to provide verbal or written notice to participants explaining noncompliance, specific instances of failure, actions needed to avoid benefit reductions, and what constitutes "good cause" for exemption (including domestic violence and health limitations).

Establishes a conciliation process where participants have 7 days (safety net) or 10 days (family assistance) to request conciliation with the district after notice, with determinations made within 14-30 days depending on assistance type.

Allows fair hearings to be conducted using video conferencing equipment, with no sanctions imposed during the conciliation process; fair hearings must be preceded by a 10-day written notice of intent to discontinue or reduce assistance.

Exempts residents of cities with populations of one million or more from these provisions and requires the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to establish regulations for the conciliation procedure.