Bill > A01901

This bill, titled the "Crash Victims Bill of Rights," enacts several key provisions: 1. It requires accident reports to be provided, free of charge, to individuals injured in the accident, the next of kin of those killed or seriously injured, and the parents/guardians of minors injured. These reports must be made available electronically within 24 hours of processing by the Department of Motor Vehicles. 2. It amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to prioritize the processing of accident reports involving minors, serious physical injury, or death. 3. It requires the commissioner to establish procedures for victims or their next of kin to provide victim impact statements at traffic infraction hearings. 4. It mandates that employers grant leave of absence of up to 4 hours to employees who need to provide a victim impact statement at a traffic infraction hearing, and prohibits retaliation against these employees. 5. It directs the Superintendent of Financial Services to conduct a study and report on the unmet resource needs facing automobile crash victims and their families. The overall goal of this bill is to enhance the rights and support for victims of automobile crashes and their families.