Bill > S05056

This bill requires the New York State Department of Health to conduct an annual comprehensive examination of heat-related deaths and heat vulnerability across the state. The bill defines two key types of heat-related deaths: "heat stress deaths" (deaths directly attributed to heat) and "heat-exacerbated deaths" (deaths from existing health conditions worsened by extreme heat), and mandates that the department use sophisticated statistical models to estimate these deaths without relying on simple temperature thresholds. The annual report must include detailed information such as the number of heat stress deaths, heat vulnerability assessments for each county, demographic details of decedents (age, gender, race, ethnicity), and descriptions of the social and environmental factors contributing to heat vulnerability. The report must be submitted by June 15th, 2026, and annually thereafter, and will be publicly posted on the department's website. The bill also allows for potential collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for data sharing, ensures no personal identifying information is included in the report, and permits New York City to independently produce its own heat vulnerability report. This legislation aims to improve understanding of heat-related mortality and support public health planning and interventions.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5056