New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06826

Introduced
3/25/25  
Refer
3/25/25  

Caption

Requires that the state system for warning populations who are or may be endangered includes audible alerts for all announcements to ensure that information is accessible to visually impaired individuals.

Summary

Bill S06826 aims to amend the executive law to ensure that public safety announcements are accessible to visually impaired individuals. Specifically, it mandates that the state warning system includes audible alerts for all announcements, thereby enhancing the accessibility of critical information during emergencies. This amendment is intended to protect vulnerable populations by ensuring they receive timely and necessary alerts that could affect their safety.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify existing state laws related to emergency communication systems, specifically requiring that all public safety announcements incorporate audible alerts. This change is expected to improve the inclusivity of emergency response protocols and may necessitate updates to current technology and practices used by state agencies responsible for public safety communications.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S06826 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for disability rights and accessibility. Discussions suggest a recognition of the importance of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of visual ability, have access to vital safety information. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation costs and technological feasibility of integrating such systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from discussions about the financial implications of upgrading existing systems to include audible alerts. Some stakeholders may argue about the potential burden on state resources, while advocates for the visually impaired emphasize the necessity of such measures for public safety and equal access. The balance between cost and accessibility is likely to be a focal point of debate.

Companion Bills

NY A05823

Same As Requires that the state system for warning populations who are or may be endangered includes audible alerts for all announcements to ensure that information is accessible to visually impaired individuals.

Previously Filed As

NY A05823

Requires that the state system for warning populations who are or may be endangered includes audible alerts for all announcements to ensure that information is accessible to visually impaired individuals.

NY S2118

Increasing government accessibility for persons who are blind or visually impaired

NY HB06044

An Act Concerning A Study Of Accessible Seating For Visually Impaired Persons At Venues That Receive State Funding.

NY A10103

Provides that any system for warning populations who are or may be endangered and for rapid and effective communication for any New York emergency alert notification shall occur within thirty minutes, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

NY SB222

Commission for the Blind and the Visually Impaired; create

NY SF202

A bill for an act relating to ensuring the provision of accessible prescription-related measures for persons who are blind, have a visual impairment, or otherwise have print disabilities.

NY HB2180

Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.

NY SB46

Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.

NY HB1376

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Act; enact

NY SB127

Education For Visually Impaired Students

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.