NY A00160

State agencies may discretionarily provide state or local public benefits to persons who would otherwise be eligible but are restricted by federal immigration status requirements under 8 U.S.C. 1621.

Municipal corporations, including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, cooperative educational services boards, and higher education boards in cities with populations over one million, may discretionarily provide such benefits regardless of immigration status.

State and local authorities may discretionarily provide state or local public benefits to otherwise eligible persons without regard to immigration status restrictions.

Benefits affected are those defined under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (8 U.S.C. 1621) and any successor provisions.

The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.