What's happening
This bill raises the maximum age homeless youth can receive shelter services in transitional programs from 21 to 24.
Why it matters
Addresses the needs of "emerging adults". By raising the age limit from 21 to 24, the bill acknowledges that many young people still face significant barriers to independence and self-sufficiency well into their early twenties, especially those without stable housing or family support.
Potential to reduce chronic adult homelessness. Allowing youth to stay in transitional programs longer may help prevent them from aging out of supportive environments and falling into long-term homelessness, which is harder and more costly to address later.
Impacts funding and program planning. Service providers and municipalities may need to adjust their budgets, staffing, and resources to accommodate an older population, potentially increasing demand for transitional services.
Recognizes developmental and economic realities. The change reflects current understanding that many young adults are not fully prepared for independent living by age 21, especially given housing costs, limited entry-level job opportunities, and the need for continued guidance and support.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Extend Shelter for Homeless Youth
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to children and families
- Returned to senate
- Died in assembly
- Referred to children and families
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 52–10
- Ordered to third reading cal.1498
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to children and families
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Raise Homeless Youth Shelter Age
In Assembly Committee · Children And Families · Sponsor Nathalia Fernandez
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4074
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 27, 2019
Introduced by Sen. BIAGGI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Children and Families
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to the maximum age at which a homeless youth can continue to receive shelter services
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (c) of subdivision 1 of section 532-d of the executive law, as amended by section 5 of part M of chapter 56 of the laws of 2017, is amended to read as follows:
(c) A homeless youth who entered a transitional independent living program under the age of [twenty-one] twenty-four may continue to receive shelter services in such program beyond the applicable period authorized by paragraph (b) of this subdivision, if the municipality has notified the office of children and family services in accordance with clause (iv) of subparagraph three of paragraph a of subdivision two of section four hundred twenty of this chapter;
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03769-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the maximum age at which a homeless youth can continue to receive shelter services
Purpose of bill
To raise the maximum age that a homeless youth can stay at a homeless shelter from 21 to 24.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1: Paragraph (c) of subdivision 1 of section 532-d of the execu- tive law, as amended by section 5 of part M of chapter 56 of the laws of 2017, is amended to say that a homeless youth who entered a transitional independent living program under the age of 24 can continue to receive shelter services until they reach that age.
Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
It is often detrimental for a young adult's mental health to move into an adult homeless shelter once they turn 21, especially since homeless adult shelters can house dangerous individuals.
Groups such as Safe Work Horizon have been long time advocates for rais- ing the age. Many youths are displaced between the ages of 18-24 due to sexual orientation or other home differences. By allowing three more years of services to create a more transitional period, these youths can get on their feet and figure themselves out a little more.
The New York City Council already voted for unanimously on such legis- lation, and it is time we make it statewide as well.
Legislative history
A11338 of 2018 referred to children and families
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
To be determined
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.