Bill > A03363

This bill requires the state interagency coordinating council for services to persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing to develop and implement a comprehensive language access training program for first responders, aimed at improving communication during emergency situations. The bill mandates several key actions: creating and distributing public informational materials about communicating with deaf and hard of hearing individuals during emergencies, establishing a feedback system for these individuals to share their experiences with first responders, conducting regular program evaluations, developing a tracking system to document incidents and identify challenges, and creating a protocol for dispatch centers to effectively communicate an individual's communication preferences to responding first responders. The goal is to enhance emergency communication and support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals by providing targeted training and developing systematic improvements in how first responders interact with this population. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, signaling an urgent need to address communication barriers in emergency response settings.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3363