Establishes the detention support program in the office for new Americans to provide financial assistance to individuals and families of detained persons, including for bond payments to secure release from detention and travel stipends to facilitate visitation with detained individuals; establishes the detention support program fund.
Impact
If enacted, A08855 will result in the creation of a dedicated fund—the Detention Support Program Fund—in the joint custody of the state comptroller and the commissioner of taxation and finance. This fund will consist of various appropriated moneys intended solely for the purposes defined in the bill. With stipulations on eligibility focusing on individuals and families facing financial challenges, the bill aims to ensure that those who are in dire need can access this assistance. Additionally, it requires the establishment of grant or reimbursement processes, coordinating outreach efforts through community-based organizations to maximize accessibility.
Summary
A08855 is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a Detention Support Program in New York, specifically within the office of New Americans. The bill is designed to provide vital financial assistance to individuals and families of detained persons. This support includes funding for bond payments to secure the release of detainees and travel stipends that facilitate families in visiting their loved ones who are detained. The overarching goal of the bill is to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by these families, especially during a time when they may be experiencing significant hardship due to detention-related circumstances.
Contention
While the need for support in detention cases is clear, discussions around A08855 may involve concerns regarding the scope of funding and how effectively it will reach the intended recipients. There could be debate on the prioritization of financial resources amid broader budget considerations, and how the program will be managed, including the establishment of eligibility and documentation processes. Transparency in fund utilization is mandated with an annual reporting requirement to ensure accountability. This aspect may provide some reassurance, but will be closely monitored by stakeholders invested in immigrant and detention issues.
Relates to mercantile establishments and the defense of lawful detention; sets requirements that the release from detention shall not be conditioned on signing of any documents or agreements; provides if anything is signed a copy must be provided to the individual or their parent or guardian.
Relates to mercantile establishments and the defense of lawful detention; sets requirements that the release from detention shall not be conditioned on signing of any documents or agreements; provides if anything is signed a copy must be provided to the individual or their parent or guardian.
Prohibits governmental entities from entering into agreements to house individuals in immigration detention facilities; requires governmental entities to terminate existing contracts for the detention of individuals in immigration detention facilities.
Prohibits governmental entities from entering into agreements to house individuals in immigration detention facilities; requires governmental entities to terminate existing contracts for the detention of individuals in immigration detention facilities.
Relates to the oversight of immigration detention facilities; prohibits municipalities from using funds or resources for the construction of any new detention facility or the expansion of any existing detention facility without approval by the legislature; establishes a committee on immigration detention oversight.
Relates to the oversight of immigration detention facilities; prohibits municipalities from using funds or resources for the construction of any new detention facility or the expansion of any existing detention facility without approval by the legislature; establishes a committee on immigration detention oversight.
Establishes the office of financial resilience to develop and implement new programs and initiatives for the purpose of supporting local economies and promoting resilient financial models.
Establishes a direct service professional credit and career ladder tuition assistance grant program to develop training programs and improve existing workforce development programs for the purpose of training direct support professionals and establishing a career ladder for individuals working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Establishes a direct service professional credit and career ladder tuition assistance grant program to develop training programs and improve existing workforce development programs for the purpose of training direct support professionals and establishing a career ladder for individuals working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Establishes the SUNY downstate medical support fund to provide financial support for infrastructural upgrades and expansion; facilitates research and development grants in medical and health-related fields; offers scholarships and financial aid; supports community health initiatives and outreach programs.