BILL NUMBER: S8551
SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to creating the blue
light emergency phones grant program
 
PURPOSE:
To improve public safety by establishing a grant program for munici-
palities to install blue light emergency phones in public areas with
histories of drug activity or overdoses.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 837-z to the Executive Law to create the
Blue Light Emergency Phones Grant Program within the Division of Crimi-
nal Justice Services. The division shall provide grants to munici-
palities for the installation of blue lighted emergency phones that
automatically dial 9-1-1 and connect directly to the police department.
Such phones shall be installed in public parks and other public areas
with a documented history of illicit drug activity or overdoses. The
commissioner shall conduct a study on the program's impact on public
safety, to be completed within eighteen months of the effective date,
and submit findings and any legislative recommendations to the Governor,
the Temporary President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly.
Section 2 provides that the act shall take effect on the ninetieth day
after it shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Incidents of drug activity and overdoses in public spaces present a
significant threat to community safety. Blue light emergency phones
offer an immediate and visible means for individuals to contact law
enforcement, particularly in areas with limited cell service or height-
ened safety concerns. This program will direct resources to munici-
palities most in need, ensuring strategic placement of emergency phones
to expedite emergency response and improve public safety outcomes. The
mandated study will assess program effectiveness and inform future
legislative or policy actions.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.