Provides eligibility for state or local public benefits regardless of immigration status
This bill allows New York state agencies, municipalities, and public authorities to provide state or local public benefits (like food assistance or housing support) to people regardless of their immigration status, as long as they would qualify under federal law if not for immigration restrictions. It gives these entities discretion to offer such benefits to individuals who would otherwise be eligible under federal definitions (specifically referencing the federal PRWORA law). The policy change directly affects immigrants and local governments by removing a barrier to accessing essential services within New York State.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025
Last action Feb 2, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
A176
→
A176A
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to renumber sections from 170-h to 170-k and renumber the public authorities law sections accordingly, while maintaining the same substantive policy of allowing state and local agencies to provide public benefits to undocumented immigrants. The committee process was also updated to reflect that the bill was discharged, amended, and recommitted to the Social Services Committee.
TECHNICAL
Bill number changed from A176 to A176A to reflect committee amendments and recommitment.
Section number in the executive law changed from 170-h to 170-k.
Section number in the public authorities law changed from 2988 to 2988 (no change in number, but section numbering within the bill text was reorganized).
Committee process notation updated to show the bill was discharged, amended, and recommitted to the Social Services Committee.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Amendments
2
Feb 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 176A
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO SOCIAL SERVICES
lower
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES
lower
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Catalina Cruz
DDemocratic
Co
Andrew Hevesi
DDemocratic
Co
Chantel Jackson
DDemocratic
Co
Emily Gallagher
DDemocratic
Co
Jo Anne Simon
DDemocratic
Co
Manny De Los Santos
DDemocratic
Co
Marcela Mitaynes
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Phara Souffrant Forrest
DDemocratic
Co
Rebecca Seawright
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 176
Scope: NY
Hi! I can help you understand A 176. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline