BILL NUMBER: S2366
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law and the mental hygiene law, in
relation to training police officers on how to respond to situations
involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other develop-
mental disabilities
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to expressly mandate that any police train-
ing for handling and responding to matters involving those with autism
spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities be accompanied by
meaningful training in the appropriate use of force and de-escalation
techniques when interacting with such individuals.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Sections one and two of the bill amend the relevant provisions of the
Executive and Mental Hygiene Law to specifically mandate training in the
appropriate use of force and de-escalation techniques when interacting
with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental
disabilities.
Section three sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Members of law enforcement are currently required to receive training on
how to interact with and "handle" individuals living with autism spec-
trum disorder and other developmental disabilities, but they often
misinterpret the behaviors of those individuals as criminal in nature.
This often results in the use of excessive force. The purpose of this
legislation is to ensure that law enforcement agencies prioritize
instruction on how to deescalate a situation when such individuals are
involved, and only then use the appropriate level of force necessary to
prevent harm to others.
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
To be determined.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: S.6859 - Referred to Codes
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.