New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00967

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Enacts the "crash victims bill of rights"; requires accident reports to be delivered to victims of accidents or their next of kin; requires victim impact statements to be delivered at traffic infraction hearings by injured parties or their next of kin; requires employers to grant leave of absence to employees delivering a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing; directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a study and complete a report on certain automobile crash information.

Summary

Bill A00967, known as the 'crash victims bill of rights', aims to enhance the rights and resources available to individuals injured in automobile accidents and the families of those killed. It mandates that accident reports be provided free of charge to victims and their next of kin within 24 hours of processing. Additionally, the bill allows for the submission of victim impact statements during traffic infraction hearings, giving a voice to those affected by such incidents. Employers are required to grant employees leave to provide these statements without fear of retaliation.

Impact

This legislation amends the vehicle and traffic law as well as the labor law in New York, establishing new rights for accident victims and their families. It ensures timely access to accident reports and introduces the requirement for victim impact statements in adjudication hearings, thereby potentially influencing the outcomes of traffic infraction cases. The bill also imposes obligations on employers regarding employee leave, which may affect workplace policies and practices across various industries.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00967 appears to be supportive, as it addresses the needs of accident victims and their families, providing them with essential rights and resources. However, there may be concerns from employers regarding the implications of mandated leave and the administrative burden of complying with the new requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from employers who could view the mandated leave for employees as an additional burden, potentially impacting their operational flexibility. Additionally, there may be discussions around the feasibility of the 24-hour report delivery requirement and how it could be implemented effectively without straining resources.

Companion Bills

NY S00884

Same As Enacts the "crash victims bill of rights"; requires accident reports to be delivered to victims of accidents or their next of kin; requires victim impact statements to be delivered at traffic infraction hearings by injured parties or their next of kin; requires employers to grant leave of absence to employees delivering a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing; directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a study and complete a report on certain automobile crash information.

Previously Filed As

NY S09530

Enacts the "crash victims bill of rights"; requires accident reports to be delivered to victims of accidents or their next of kin; requires victim impact statements to be delivered at traffic infraction hearings by injured parties or their next of kin; requires employers to grant leave of absence to employees delivering a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing; directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a study and complete a report on certain automobile crash information.

NY A01901

Enacts the "crash victims bill of rights"; requires accident reports to be delivered to victims of accidents or their next of kin; requires victim impact statements to be delivered at traffic infraction hearings by injured parties or their next of kin; requires employers to grant leave of absence to employees delivering a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing; directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a study and complete a report on certain automobile crash information.

NY S00884

Enacts the "crash victims bill of rights"; requires accident reports to be delivered to victims of accidents or their next of kin; requires victim impact statements to be delivered at traffic infraction hearings by injured parties or their next of kin; requires employers to grant leave of absence to employees delivering a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing; directs the superintendent of financial services to conduct a study and complete a report on certain automobile crash information.

NY S2355

Makes victims of motor vehicle accidents eligible for VCCO compensation under certain circumstances; establishes Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights.

NY A2570

Makes victims of motor vehicle accidents eligible for VCCO compensation under certain circumstances; establishes Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights.

NY S07610

Requires police reports of traffic accidents to include insurance information for the parties to the accident.

NY S07972

Allows victim impact statements to be submitted at parole revocation hearings.

NY S01509

Relates to the requirement that hearings for traffic infractions shall be conducted in person.

NY A02401

Relates to the requirement that hearings for traffic infractions shall be conducted in person.

NY SB429

To Expand The Sealing Of Criminal Records For Victims Of Human Trafficking; To Provide That Victims Of Human Trafficking Have Certain Rights; And To Provide A Mandatory No-contact Order In A Human Trafficking Case.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.