NY A01997

Amends Executive Law to allow state agencies to discretionarily provide state or local public benefits to otherwise eligible individuals regardless of immigration status, notwithstanding federal restrictions under 8 U.S.C. 1621.

Amends General Municipal Law to allow municipal corporations (counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, BOCES, and boards of higher education in cities with populations over one million) to discretionarily provide state or local public benefits regardless of immigration status.

Amends Public Authorities Law by adding Title 13 to allow state authorities and local authorities to discretionarily provide state or local public benefits to otherwise eligible individuals regardless of immigration status.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.