New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05910

Introduced
3/3/25  
Refer
3/3/25  

Caption

Establishes a claim for strict liability against the state for any injury caused by the administration of an immunization which is mandated by a state law; gives the court of claims the power and jurisdiction to hear such a claim.

Summary

Bill S05910 aims to amend the public health law and the court of claims act to establish strict liability for injuries resulting from mandated immunizations in New York. Under this bill, the state would be held strictly liable for any injury caused by immunizations that are required by law, whether for school attendance or during a declared emergency. The bill specifies that the liability applies when the immunization is administered by a qualified health practitioner and the injury can be directly linked to the immunization process.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding immunization-related injuries in New York. It would create a new avenue for individuals to seek compensation for injuries sustained due to mandated vaccinations, effectively shifting liability from health practitioners to the state. This could lead to increased claims against the state and potentially impact public health policy and vaccination rates, as the state may need to reassess its immunization mandates and the associated risks.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S05910 appears to be mixed, with some support for the idea of holding the state accountable for mandated immunizations, while others express concerns about the implications for public health initiatives and the potential for increased litigation against the state. The lack of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full spectrum of opinions on the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential financial burden on the state due to increased claims and the implications for public health policy. Proponents argue that individuals should be compensated for vaccine-related injuries, while opponents worry that this could discourage vaccination and complicate public health efforts. Health practitioners may also be concerned about the implications for their liability in administering vaccines.

Companion Bills

NY A04993

Same As Establishes a claim for strict liability against the state for any injury caused by the administration of an immunization which is mandated by a state law; gives the court of claims the power and jurisdiction to hear such a claim.

Previously Filed As

NY A04993

Establishes a claim for strict liability against the state for any injury caused by the administration of an immunization which is mandated by a state law; gives the court of claims the power and jurisdiction to hear such a claim.

NY S1366

Claims Against the Government

NY H0145

Claims Against the Government

NY HB730

Relating to the affidavit form for claiming an exemption from required immunizations.

NY HB364

Small claims court; jurisdictional limit.

NY SB1022

Small claims court; jurisdictional limit

NY HB1082

Relating to claiming an exemption from required immunizations for school enrollment.

NY SB262

Tort claims against the Commonwealth; liability for dangerous condition on public roadway.

NY HB3432

Changes the amounts for liability insurance and liability limits for tort claims against the state, a political subdivision, or a public entity

NY SB1168

The Governmental Tort Claims Act; definitions and extent of liability; increasing limits on liability for certain claims. Effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.