Senator Serrano’s Bill to Protect Children from Unsecured Furniture Passes Senate

Senator Jose M. Serrano and the Senate Democratic Majority today passed legislation to support New York families and protect children. The bills passed included Senator Serrano’s legislation (S.3563A) to protect children from the tipping of unsecured furniture by requiring childcare centers to anchor all furniture and electronics located in the facility.

“On average, a child dies every ten days after suffering an accident with a falling television or piece of furniture, devastatingly changing families forever. These preventable tragedies can be avoided by taking simple, low-cost precautions to ensure our children’s safety. Today’s actions will give parents piece of mind by requiring all childcare facilities in the state to anchor down furniture and electronics, protecting our youngest New Yorkers.”

The package of legislation advanced by the Senate Majority also  includes:

Flexible Working Arrangements: This bill, S.3665, introduced by Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, will give employees that right to request flexible working arrangements that meets the needs of both the employer and employee. However, this bill would not make flexible working arrangements in the workplace a requirement, but instead would give employees the right to request flexible working arrangements and employers the right to reject such requests. This legislation also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising this right.

Child Care Availability Study: This bill, S.753A, sponsored by Chair of the Senate Committee on Children and Families Senator Velmanette Montgomery will direct the Office of Children and Family Services to study and make recommendations on the availability of child day care and childcare assistance, and determine the unmet need of childcare subsidies across the state.

Child Care Expenses: This bill, S.2680, sponsored by Senator Shelley Mayer will allow candidates for state and local office within New York State to use campaign funds for any childcare expenses incurred as a direct result of their candidacy.

Brendan’s Law: This bill, S.3186, sponsored by Senator Tim Kennedy, requires child day care centers, public institutions for children and certain other facilities installing new or replacement window coverings to install cordless window coverings.

Summer Camp Staffing: This bill, S.3834, introduced by Senator Jen Metzger, will allow summer camps to hire licensed social workers, physical therapists, psychologists, athletic trainers, mental health care professionals, occupational therapists and other licensed professionals to provide services for children summer camps and camps for children with developmental disabilities. 

Banning of Crib Bumper Pads: S.3788, sponsored by Senator David Carlucci, will restrict the sale and use of crib bumper pads under certain circumstances. This bill will prevent the deaths of and serious injury to infants, which have been attributed to the use of crib bumper pads.

New York State Reuniting Families Act: This bill, S.5024A, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, establishes the “New York State Reuniting Families Act” that will enable foster care children to rejoin their families and ultimately exit the public welfare system. It will also ensure that separated families receive appropriate care and due process.

Window Blind Safety: This bill, S.4181, introduced by Senator Julia Salazar, will require that information be made available to parents regarding window blind safety the potential fatal consequences from strangulation posed by window blinds

Childcare Accessibility Study: This bill, S.5690, sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr., directs Empire State Development to study the impact of childcare facilities in economically distressed areas and to develop strategies to expand access to childcare services.