NY S06696

Permits post-secondary education, including four-year college programs, to satisfy work activity requirements for public assistance recipients when a district meets applicable federal or state participation rates for the previous or current year.

Requires districts to count classroom hours as work activity and include reasonable study and preparation time (based on state education department supplementary assignment hour requirements) when educational activities partially or fully satisfy work requirements.

Prohibits districts from assigning additional work activities to participants enrolled at least half-time in post-secondary programs who maintain a cumulative C average or equivalent, with waivers allowed for undue hardship (death of relative, personal illness/injury, or other extenuating circumstances).

Increases the cap on proprietary vocational school curriculum devoted to high school equivalency preparation and English proficiency instruction from 25 percent to 50 percent.

Takes effect 120 days after enactment, with agencies authorized to immediately develop necessary regulations for implementation.