Provides for a uniform allowable resource exemption and disregard for an applicant or recipient with an automobile

BILL NUMBER:S4637

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to certain exempt assets for public assistance eligibility

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide for a uniform allowable resource exemption and disregard for an applicant or recipient with an automobile

Summary of specific provisions

Subdivision 1 of section 131-n of the social services law, as amended by chapter 373 of laws of 2003, is amended to provide and automobile resource disregard up to nine thousand three hundred dollars fair market value.

Justification

The current law provides a two tier system for determining the automobile resource disregard when calculating the amount of benefits of any household under public assistance programs. The law provides a lower amount unless the automobile is being used to seek or retain employment. The current structure does not adequately contemplate the effects of inflation or other auto uses such as the pursuit of education. This legislation will provide a uniform automobile resource limit that is practical and fair to those individuals who depend on their cars to facilitate their struggle out of poverty.

Prior legislative history

None A1981 (2013-2014) Held for consideration in Ways and Means 6/17/14

A7236 (2011-2012) Held for consideration in Ways and Means 6/19/12 A2956 (2011-2012) Enacting clause stricken 3/23/11 A1516 (2009-2010) VETOED MEMO. 6793 8/30/10 A11125A (2007-2008) reported referred to ways and means 6/17/08

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, provided that the amendments to subdivision 1 of section 131-n of the social services law made by section one of this act shall be subject to the expiration and reversion of such section pursuant to section 153 of chapter 436 of the laws of 1997, as amended.