§ 330. Definitions. 1. Whenever used in this title:

a. the term "commissioner" means the commissioner of the state office
of temporary and disability assistance; and

b. the term "department" means the state office of temporary and
disability assistance.

2. "Net loss of cash income" shall mean the amount by which a family's
gross income less any necessary work-related expenses is less than the
cash assistance the individual was receiving at the time of receiving an
offer of employment. Gross income includes, but is not limited to,
earnings, unearned income and cash assistance.

3. "Child care" shall refer to any lawful form of care of a child, as
defined by federal and state law and regulation, for less than
twenty-four hours per day.

4. "Participant" shall mean an applicant for or recipient of public
assistance who volunteers for or is required to participate in work
activities as provided in this title.

5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or the labor
law, recipients of public assistance who are required to participate in
community service or work experience activities authorized pursuant to
this title shall be included within the meaning of the term "public
employee" for the purposes of applying section twenty-seven-a of the
labor law while engaged in community service or work experience programs
under this title. In addition, such recipients shall be provided
appropriate workers' compensation or equivalent protection for
on-the-job injuries and tort claims protection on the same basis, but
not necessarily at the same benefit level, as they are provided to other
persons in the same or similar positions, while participating in
community service or work experience activities under this title.