New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09005

Introduced
8/13/25  

Caption

Establishes a waiver program allowing a domestic violence residential program to apply to the office of children and family services for a waiver enabling a victim of domestic violence to remain at the program's shelter for a period exceeding one hundred and eighty days.

Impact

The proposed legislation would significantly alter how domestic violence shelters operate, providing more flexibility in terms of duration for which victims can receive refuge and support. By allowing waivers to be granted, the bill acknowledges that some victims may be unable to transition to safe alternatives in the initial time frame currently mandated. The implications of this change could lead to improved safety and outcomes for individuals seeking refuge from domestic violence, allowing them to stay in a supportive environment while they navigate their circumstances. The focus would shift towards more personalized care and extended protection for those in need.

Summary

Bill A09005 aims to amend the social services law in New York to establish a waiver program that allows domestic violence residential programs to apply for permission to extend the length of stay for victims of domestic violence at shelters beyond the current limit of 180 days. Under this bill, once a residential program identifies a victim who requires a longer stay due to their circumstances, they may apply to the Office of Children and Family Services for a waiver that enables the victim to remain for up to an additional 90 days. The bill reflects the ongoing need for support systems accommodating the unique challenges faced by victims of domestic violence.

Contention

However, the bill does raise some notable points of contention regarding the logistical and financial impacts of extending shelter stays. Critics may voice concerns about the operational capacity of shelters to accommodate longer stays, as well as the funding implications of increased demand for resources when more victims may require extended services. Additionally, some stakeholders might argue about the criteria and effectiveness of the waiver application process, questioning whether it would adequately address the needs of all victims or if it could lead to delays in receiving support. Thus, while the intent is rooted in compassion and care, practical considerations must be taken into account.

Companion Bills

NY S07005

Same As Establishes a waiver program allowing a domestic violence residential program to apply to the office of children and family services for a waiver enabling a victim of domestic violence to remain at the program's shelter for a period exceeding one hundred and eighty days.

Previously Filed As

NY A05504

Relates to services for victims of domestic violence; provides that the department of social services shall ensure there is sufficient access to domestic violence services in every county; eliminates per diem reimbursement rates for domestic violence programs.

NY S09629

Establishes the housing people and animals together grant program to expand access for co-sheltering people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence with companion animals.

NY A10592

Establishes the housing people and animals together grant program to expand access for co-sheltering people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence with companion animals.

NY S09358

Requires the New York state office for the prevention of domestic violence to establish trauma-informed standards for domestic violence abuse intervention programs; establishes requirements for such standards.

NY S06836

Relates to the entitlement to unpaid leave of absence for victims of domestic violence; permits victims of domestic violence to take an unpaid leave of absence for twenty days from employment to address on-going domestic violence; defines "address on-going domestic violence"; contains provision to protect the individual's job position and benefits.

NY A08000

Relates to the entitlement to unpaid leave of absence for victims of domestic violence; permits victims of domestic violence to take an unpaid leave of absence for twenty days from employment to address on-going domestic violence; defines "address on-going domestic violence"; contains provision to protect the individual's job position and benefits.

NY S04537

Establishes community residences for victims of domestic violence and their family or household members.

NY A05503

Provides for internet access and access to internet-enabled devices to recipients of public assistance and to adults and children in shelters, domestic violence residence programs, and other adult and children residence facilities.

NY A01138

Requires medical assistance be provided to victims of domestic violence to care for and treat any scarring resulting from the domestic violence incident.

NY A02463

Directs social services districts to contract with non-residential programs for victims of domestic violence to provide outreach and education to students in public and private high schools; provides for state reimbursement therefor.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.