NY A03227

Repeals section 341 of social services law and renumbers section 341-a as section 341, removing the geographic limitation that previously applied only to cities with populations of one million or more.

Establishes a re-engagement process allowing participants who fail to comply with work requirements to avoid benefit reductions by agreeing to comply, becoming exempt, or resolving non-compliance issues at a conciliation conference within ten days.

Requires social services districts to verify that appropriate child care, transportation, and disability accommodations were in place before imposing sanctions for non-compliance with work activities.

Mandates that conciliation conferences be mediated by independent entities or trained supervisory staff with no direct responsibility for the participant's case, with no sanctions imposed during the re-engagement process.

Repeals section 342 of social services law and renumbers section 342-a as section 342, maintaining provisions for pro-rata benefit reductions for non-compliant recipients while requiring consideration of good cause exceptions including lack of available child care, net loss of income, and medical conditions.