New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02516

Introduced
1/21/25  
Refer
1/21/25  
Engrossed
6/13/25  

Caption

Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees.

Impact

By establishing a refugee resettlement program, Bill S02516 will amend existing social services laws to enhance support systems for refugees, including economic resources, education, and training. The proposed initiative emphasizes collaboration with public and private entities to deliver various services such as employment training, language instruction, and access to healthcare. This structured approach not only aids in the integration process but is also expected to contribute positively to the local economy by fostering a skilled and culturally diverse workforce.

Summary

Bill S02516 introduces a comprehensive refugee resettlement program directed by the New York State Department of Social Services with the intent to foster economic and social self-sufficiency among refugees. The bill highlights the increasing number of forcibly displaced individuals worldwide and aims to address the unique challenges that refugees face in adapting to new environments, especially in New York, which is one of the leading states in resettling refugees. The legislation seeks to establish a structured framework for providing essential services to this population, thereby enhancing their ability to integrate into society successfully.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding Bill S02516 may arise from varied perspectives on immigration and refugee assistance within the state's political landscape. Proponents argue that supporting refugees aligns with New York's historical values and obligations towards humanitarian aid. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the fiscal implications of extended social services and the balance of resources allocated to local populations. Addressing these points of view will require careful consideration of budgetary constraints and public sentiment towards immigration policy.

Companion Bills

NY A02374

Same As Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees

Previously Filed As

NY A00069

Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees

NY S06070

Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees.

NY S00391

Directs the department of social services of the city of New York, in consultation with the department of housing preservation and development, to provide shelter to victims of human trafficking at a residential program exclusively for victims of human trafficking.

NY A07319

Requires residents of the state, who are foreign refugees, to register with the office of temporary and disability assistance; directs such office to provide registration information to the office of children and family services, the department of health, the office for new Americans, the department of law, the division of state police, the NYC police department, county sheriff's offices, municipal police departments, and the division of homeland security and emergency services; directs the office for new Americans to conduct background screenings of all refugees who register; requires refugee resettlement agencies to submit quarterly reports to the bureau of refugee and immigrant assistance on the refugees to whom it provides assistance, and to monitor the activities of such refugees for a certain period of time; directs the division of homeland security and emergency services to develop and implement a plan to ensure compliance by refugee resettlement agencies.

NY S04183

Requires employees of gaming facilities to undergo human-trafficking recognition training which shall address the nature of human trafficking, how human trafficking is defined in law, how to identify victims of human trafficking, relief and recovery options for survivors, and social and legal services available to victims.

NY A10483

Enacts the "New York state Palestinian refugee relocation prevention act"; provides that no state or local agency, authority, or official shall cooperate with, or provide any assistance to, the federal government in the relocation or resettlement of Palestinian refugees within the state of New York; requires that federal funds allocated for the resettlement of Palestinian refugees in New York shall be rejected and returned to the federal government; imposes a temporary moratorium on the admission to any institution of higher education in this state of Palestinian students and scholars; makes related provisions.

NY S00390

Directs the division of criminal justice services, in consultation with the office of temporary and disability assistance, to establish a universal, statewide human trafficking hotline to provide individuals in the state access to appropriate counselling and services for human trafficking victims.

NY S00395

Directs the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking to investigate connections between social media and human trafficking.

NY A05505

Directs the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking to investigate connections between social media and human trafficking.

NY S04375

Establishes the standardized human-trafficking recognition training program for private transportation services employees; requires private transportation services to require all employees to undergo a human-trafficking recognition training program established by the division of criminal justice services and the office of temporary and disability assistance in consultation with the department of transportation and the New York state interagency task force on human trafficking.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.