Relates to allowing unaccompanied children in custody to petition the family court
This bill allows unaccompanied children in federal custody (such as those under U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' refugee resettlement programs) to directly petition New York family courts for dependency status. It creates a new court process where children or their advocates can file petitions seeking court orders to ensure proper care, without requiring the child to be physically present in New York. The courts must determine dependency based on evidence like sworn statements, and if approved, can issue orders to protect the child's safety while recognizing their federal custody. The bill does not change federal custody arrangements but ensures children in these situations have access to New York's family court system for care decisions.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 26, 2025
Last action Feb 25, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
A6189
→
A6189A
·
3 edits
MINOR
This bill was amended to add more sponsors and update its status in the legislative process. The substantive text of the bill itself remains largely unchanged, with only minor formatting adjustments to the definition section.
Scope change
No substantive scope change; the bill's applicability and provisions remain the same.
TECHNICAL
Added four new sponsors (Schiafoni, Lunsford, Davila, Simone) to the bill introduction.
Updated the bill status to show it was discharged from committee, amended, and recommitted.
Minor formatting adjustment to the definition of 'Special findings' that removed the word 'petition' from the text.
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 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 6189A
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
lower
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
lower
Feb 26, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 6189
Scope: NY
Hi! I can help you understand A 6189. 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