Senate Approves Bill Championed by Addabbo to Create Emergency Evacuation and Lockdown Plans for Special Needs Children

Queens, NY (March 11, 2024): Legislation introduced by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. to require the development of appropriate emergency evacuation and lockdown plans for children with special needs, has advanced through the legislative process after being approved by the Senate on March 11.

Addabbo’s bill, S.1963A, requires schools and daycare facilities to develop specialized emergency plans for disabled children during an evacuation or lockdown.

“Taking specific steps to proactively plan for the safety of our most vulnerable residents in emergencies – which would also aid our police, fire, and medical personnel in rescue efforts – is critically important on many levels,” Addabbo said. “I am hopeful we will continue to move forward in developing effective, timely emergency responses to keep every single New Yorker safe and unharmed in their times of greatest fear and need.”

Under S.1963A, the specialized evacuation and lockdown plans for disabled children in schools and daycare centers would be devised with the input of local law enforcement and fire safety personnel, parents of children, and other relevant stakeholders.  A copy of the final plan must always be maintained in the school or daycare facility.

After passing the Senate, the bill is now under consideration by the Assembly Education Committee.