New York State Governor Kathy Hochul Signs the

Child Sensitive Arrest Bill into Law!

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The Child Sensitive Arrest bill signed into law by Governor Hochul on December 21, 2024 requires New York State to develop written guidance for law enforcement on how to safeguard children of arrested parents/caregivers and encourages local law enforcement to make reasonable efforts to ensure a child's safety accordingly. The law also requires the New York State Police to implement a written policy and provide officers with education on how to safeguard children. The law goes into effect in 180 days.

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We thank all of you who contacted Governor Hochul to urge her to sign the bill. We are grateful to the courageous young people in Osborne Association's Youth Action Council for inspiring Senator Montgomery to introduce the bill over a decade ago and championing this bill ever since.  We also thank Assemblymember Clyde Vanel, Senator Jamaal Bailey, Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, and former State Senator Velmanette Montgomery for their partnership and support of the Child-Sensitive Arrest Bill over the years.

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We will be monitoring implementation and advocating for substantive training that include trauma and child development to be offered to law enforcement.  ​​