BILL NUMBER: S1197
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to requiring
daycare facilities to maintain evacuation and lockdown plans for chil-
dren with disabilities during an emergency situation
 
PURPOSE:
Requires schools and daycare facilities to maintain evacuation plans for
children with disabilities during a lockdown or emergency situation.
Amendment: Technical Change.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the education law by adding a new section 4411. It
shall be the duty of every board of education or trustees of each school
district and city school district of the city of New York to establish
and maintain an emergency evacuation plan for children with disabilities
in schools.
Section 2 amends the social services law by adding a new section 390-m.
Defines Daycare Facility as licensed and registered child daycare homes,
programs and facilities.
Section 3 effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
With the increase in mass shootings and other violent crimes, we need to
have a plan in place to address the care and safety of special needs
children in schools and day care facilities when a building lockdown or
other emergency occurs. Children are told to run, hide and fight during
a lockdown, but students with disabilities may not be able to comply.
This bill will make sure that schools and day care facilities create and
maintain evacuation plans for these students. Parents and guardians are
concerned and frightened about the fate of their children during lock-
down or evacuation events. This legislation will ensure that a viable
plan to address the needs of disabled students is in place.
The legislation will require that schools and day care facilities devise
a plan in concert with local law enforcement and fire safety personnel,
employees, parents of children, and other relevant stakeholders. A copy
of the plan will be maintained in the building at all times.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022: S.9472 - Referred to Disabilities Committee.
2023-24: S.1963A - Passed Senate
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.