N.Y. Social Services Law Section 459-B
Residential services for victims of domestic violence

In accordance with § 131-U (Domestic violence services)section one hundred thirty-one-u of this chapter and the regulations of the office of children and family services, a social services district shall offer and provide necessary and available emergency shelter and services for up to ninety days at a residential program for victims of domestic violence to a victim of domestic violence who was residing in the social services district at the time of the alleged domestic violence whether or not such victim is eligible for public assistance. Two forty-five day extensions of necessary and available emergency shelter may be granted beyond the maximum length of stay at a residential program for victims of domestic violence for residents who continue to be in need of emergency services and temporary shelter. If the victim of domestic violence has a service animal as such term is defined in Agriculture & Markets Law § 123-B (Offenses against service animals and handlers)section one hundred twenty-three-b of the agriculture and markets law, or therapy dog as such term is defined in Agriculture & Markets Law § 108 (Definitions)section one hundred eight of the agriculture and markets law, respectively, such service animal or therapy dog shall be allowed to accompany the victim at the residential program authorized pursuant to this section, so long as such accompaniment would not create an undue burden as defined by Executive Law § 296 (Unlawful discriminatory practices)section two hundred ninety-six of the executive law. Where such accompaniment would constitute an undue burden, the residential program shall make reasonable efforts to facilitate placement of such animal at an off-site animal care facility or if reasonable efforts fail, provide referral to one or more off-site animal care facilities. Such off-site animal care may include, but not be limited to, boarding at a veterinary hospital or under the auspices of a duly incorporated humane society, or duly incorporated animal protection association approved for such purpose by the department of agriculture and markets. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any rights or obligations provided pursuant to federal or state law, including but not limited to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Source: Section 459-B — Residential services for victims of domestic violence, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/SOS/459-B (updated Dec. 3, 2021; accessed Jan. 18, 2025).

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Accessed:
Jan. 18, 2025

Last modified:
Dec. 3, 2021

§ 459-B’s source at nysenate​.gov

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