Liaison officers, including regional and campus contacts, would aid public college and university students in New York who are living with homelessness find housing under a measure being sought in the final days of the legislative session. 

The proposal comes as New York lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul this year have debated a range of housing measures meant to drive down costs as well as aid struggling people. 

The student housing measure, backed by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, would also give these students priority in housing placement and aid with waiving college fees for enrollment, health and wellness and other services provided by the State University of New York and City University of New York. 

The proposal also sets aside resources and staffing for the campuses. 

Supporters of the legislation pointed to a 2019 Hope Center survey of 22,000 CUNY students, finding 14% had dealt with homelessness while they were enrolled in class. More than half, 55%, had also lived with housing insecurity. 

Maine, California and Tennessee have approved similar measures creating liaisons to aid this population of students. 

 “As the legislature and Governor continue to discuss the short and long-term solutions to our housing crisis in New York, we must be creative and imaginative with the resources that we have right now," González-Rojas said. "There are students who are currently enrolled in CUNY and SUNY schools but struggle with being unhoused as they try to complete their coursework and add to their qualifications."

The proposal is yet to be approved in either chamber; the session is due to end for the year on June 8.