Bill > S06224

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 to improve communication during emergency situations. The program includes several key components: 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 and suggest improvements, conducting regular program evaluations, developing a system to track and document incidents involving deaf and hard of hearing individuals to identify challenges, and creating a protocol for dispatch centers to relay communication preferences to responding first responders. The bill aims to enhance emergency communication and support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals by providing targeted training and resources to first responders, ultimately improving their ability to effectively interact and provide assistance during critical situations. The act will take effect immediately upon passage and is officially titled the "deaf and hard of hearing emergency communications act".

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6224