NY A00176

Authorizes state agencies, municipal corporations, and state/local authorities to provide public benefits to individuals regardless of immigration status, at their discretion

Applies to benefits defined under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (8 U.S.C. 1621), which currently restricts eligibility based on immigration status

Defines state agencies broadly to include any department, bureau, commission, board, division, office, or agency of the state

Municipal corporations covered include counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, and boards of higher education in cities with populations of one million or more

Takes effect immediately upon enactment