New York legislation · 2025-2026 General Assembly
New York S8204: Relates to the definition of the term prospective relative guardian
Status: In committee, June 5, 2026
Provides that no person shall be precluded from being deemed a "prospective relative guardian" based on whether such person's relationship with the child was established before or after such child's placement into foster care.
What the bill says
An act to amend the social services law and the family court act, in relation to the definition of the term "prospective relative guardian".
From the amended text, April 28, 2026:
AN ACT to amend the social services law and the family court act, in relation to the definition of the term "prospective relative guardian" THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 458-a of the social services law, as amended by chapter 384 of the laws of 2017, is amended to read as follows: 3. (A) "Prospective relative guardian" shall mean a person who has been caring for the child as a fully certified or approved foster parent for at least six consecutive months prior to applying for kinship guardianship assistance payments and who: [(a)] (I) is related to the child through blood, marriage, or adoption; or [(b)] (II) is related to a half-sibling of the child through blood, marriage or adoption and where such person or persons is or are also the prospective or appointed relative guardian or guardians of such half-sibling; or [(c)] (III) is an adult with a positive relationship with the child, including, but not limited to, a step-parent, godparent, neighbor or family friend. (B) NO PERSON SHALL BE PRECLUDED FROM BEING DEEMED A "PROSPECTIVE RELATIVE GUARDIAN" UNDER PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION BASED ON WHETHER SUCH PERSON'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHILD WAS ESTABLISHED BEFORE EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; …
Sponsors
- Jabari Brisport (D, 25) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : COMMITTED TO RULES
- : AMENDED ON THIRD READING 8204A
- : ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
- : 2ND REPORT CAL.
- : 1ST REPORT CAL.727
- : REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
- : REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Votes
- Senate Children And Families Committee: COMMITTEE Vote (April 21, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Children And Families Committee Vote (April 21, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Social Services Law
Common questions
- What is S8204?
- S8204 is a bill in the New York Legislature (2025-2026 General Assembly): Relates to the definition of the term prospective relative guardian.
- What does S8204 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the social services law and the family court act, in relation to the definition of the term "prospective relative guardian".
- What is the status of S8204?
- In committee as of June 5, 2026. Latest action: COMMITTED TO RULES (June 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored S8204?
- Jabari Brisport (D, 25).
- Where is the official record for S8204?
- On the New York Legislature website: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8204
Source: official New York record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.