NY A05470

Establishes the Rapid Employment Assistance and Counseling Hub (REACH) program by January 1, 2027, deploying mobile units as traveling unemployment service centers to provide in-person assistance

Mobile units can be requested by state legislators or municipal officials to operate in their districts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for one to four calendar days, with requests limited to 12 per official per calendar year

Department of Labor staff on mobile units will answer general unemployment questions, help assess eligibility, assist with filing claims, explain 1099-G tax forms, and troubleshoot existing claim issues

Pre-registration for services may be offered but cannot be required, and any resident of the requesting district or municipality may access the mobile unit

Commissioner must submit an evaluation report to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2028, assessing the program's effectiveness and recommending any changes or expansion