New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09778

Introduced
4/6/26  

Caption

Relates to the duty owed by cities and counties to children in the legal custody of such cities and counties with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage.

Impact

This legislation will have significant implications on state laws regarding how public agencies interact with children in their custody. By imposing a legal responsibility on these agencies analogous to private entities, the bill effectively removes the shield of governmental immunity in cases of negligence related to child placement or supervision. Consequently, this could lead to an increase in claims against public entities, thereby promoting a higher standard of care in the treatment and management of children in various placements, such as juvenile detention and mental health facilities.

Summary

Bill S09778, introduced in New York, aims to amend the social services law and the court of claims act regarding the duties owed by public agencies to children in their legal custody. It establishes a nondelegable special duty for these agencies to ensure the safety of children under their care and outlines that they are liable for negligence in cases where injuries occur due to a breach of this duty. The bill seeks to provide children with a statutory private right of action for compensatory damages in such instances, allowing them legal recourse if the state's actions or inaction lead to harm.

Contention

The introduction of S09778 has sparked discussions regarding state accountability and the adequacy of existing protections for children. Advocates for the bill argue that this legislation is crucial in holding state entities responsible for their treatment of vulnerable populations and promoting better oversight. However, opponents may voice concerns regarding the potential ramifications on state resources and the implications of increased litigation against public agencies. This tension between ensuring child safety and the operational impacts on state functions remains a notable point of contention within the discourse surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

NY A04362

Same As Relates to the duty owed by cities and counties to children in the legal custody of such cities and counties with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage.

Previously Filed As

NY A04362

Relates to the duty owed by cities and counties to children in the legal custody of such cities and counties with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage.

NY S02270

Relates to the duty owed by certain agencies to children in the legal custody of the agencies with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage; extends jurisdiction of the court of claims to certain claims for injuries to a child.

NY S08500

Establishes a right of action for the deprivation of constitutional rights; provides for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and reasonable attorney's fees.

NY A09076

Establishes a right of action for the deprivation of constitutional rights; provides for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and reasonable attorney's fees.

NY SF2126

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of private burial sites by counties and cities.

NY SF554

A bill for an act relating to the delegation of custodial rights and duties with respect to a child.(Formerly SF 329.)

NY S07401

Relates to party nominations for candidates for office, excluding counties located within cities with a population of one million or more.

NY A10021

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

NY S08597

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

NY S08943

Establishes a missing persons unit within the division of state police; adds women to the responsibility of the missing and exploited children clearinghouse; provides that by January first, two-thousand twenty-seven included in the curriculum for the training of law enforcement shall be missing and exploited women and missing and exploited women and children of color and indigenous descent; requires the reporting duties of law enforcement departments to include missing women, in addition to missing children and vulnerable adults; relates to the missing and exploited women and children clearinghouse fund; relates to the gift for missing and exploited women and children clearinghouse fund.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.