NY A08865

Transfers responsibility from individual social services districts to the state Department of Social Services to ensure residential and non-residential domestic violence services are sufficiently available and accessible in every county.

Authorizes the commissioner to enter into contracts with domestic violence organizations to provide state financial assistance in the form of grants rather than establishing daily reimbursement rates.

Expands the definition of "domestic violence organization" to explicitly include both residential programs (shelters and safe home networks) and non-residential programs (hotlines, counseling, advocacy, and community education).

Requires domestic violence organizations receiving state funds to submit operating plans detailing expenses, services provided, and compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Allows service animals, therapy dogs, and companion animals to accompany domestic violence victims at residential programs unless such accompaniment would create an undue burden.