BILL NUMBER: S5958
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring counties to
maintain a registry of people of all ages with disabilities for evacu-
ation and sheltering during disasters
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF THE BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to protect people of all ages with disabili-
ties during times of disaster by requiring counties to maintain a regis-
try of people who may require assistance during a disaster.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This bill requires each county to maintain a registry of people of all
ages with disabilities. Provisions are included to provide people of all
ages with disabilities the option to not be included in the registry.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Article 2-B of the Executive Law sets fourth State policy for disaster
preparedness plans. Section 23-a provides counties with authority to
maintain a county registry of people with disabilities in order to meet
special needs of people of all ages with disabilities who would need
assistance in times of disaster.
In 2005 and 2006, the Committee on Governmental Operations held a series
of statewide hearings on various aspects of disaster preparedness. In
The March 2006 hearing held in Utica, NY, testimony was received that
only two of sixty-two counties have a county registry of people with
disabilities. Testimony was also received from State officials identify-
ing this as a vulnerability in disaster response.
In light of recent disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane
Irene, this bill will greatly aid localities in preparing for and
responding to disasters. It will also help protect people of all ages
with disabilities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S4676 - REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY
AFFAIRS
2021-22: S3035 - Referred to
2019-20: S3218- REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY
AFFAIRS
2017-18: S2258 - REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY
AFFAIRS
2015-2016: S.2512 - Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security
2013-2014: S.3095 - Died in Veterans, Homeland Security
2011-12: S.1126 - Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security
2009-10: S.5926/A.520 - Passed both Houses; Vetoed Memo 6739
2007-08: A.958-A - Passed Assembly; Died in Investigations and Gov't Ops
2006: A.11693 - Passed Assembly; Died in Senate Rules Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Some costs would be associated with creating a new registry.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
January 1st after enactment.

Statutes affected:
S5958: 23-a executive law