Serrano Bill to Protect Children from Tipping Furniture Now Law

On August 13, 2019, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law Senator Serrano's legislation to protect and create a safer environment for children in New York. The bill (S.3563A/A.29A) requires child care facilities to anchor large furniture and electronics to prevent them from tipping over. 

"Far too many families have been impacted by preventable tragedies involving young children and tipping furniture or electronics," said Senator Serrano. On average, every ten days one child in the U.S. has a fatal accident with a falling television or piece of furniture. The legislation signed today by Governor Cuomo will give parents peace of mind by requiring that all child care facilities in our state take the low-cost precaution of anchoring televisions and heavy dressers, ensuring the protection of our youngest, most vulnerable New Yorkers. I am honored to have carried this bill in the Senate, and thank Governor Cuomo, Assembly Member Rosenthal, and my legislative colleagues for their support and commitment to keeping our children safe."

This law requires that heavy dressers or tube style televisions are anchored in child care centers and other similar facilities across the state. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law.