Bill > S01754

This bill establishes a statewide, toll-free hotline through the Office of Children and Family Services designed to receive reports of alleged abuse or incidents that may jeopardize an individual's health or welfare. The hotline will operate 24/7 and accept anonymous calls, with a mandate to immediately transmit reports to appropriate state agencies or local social services offices. If a report involves potential criminal activity or an immediate threat to an individual's safety, the hotline must quickly relay the information to law enforcement, district attorneys, emergency responders, and relevant state agencies. The bill also amends the elder law to include information about this new hotline in public education campaigns about elder abuse, ensuring that people are aware of this reporting mechanism. The commissioner is authorized to create rules and regulations for the hotline's implementation, including procedures for timely and accurate referrals to agencies with investigative or oversight responsibilities. The hotline aims to provide a centralized, accessible way for individuals to report potential abuse or dangerous situations, with the goal of protecting vulnerable populations such as children and elderly individuals. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1754