Bill > S06987

This bill requires every city or county social services district to provide a panic button to employees who directly interact with clients in their homes, ensuring their safety. These panic buttons can be wearable devices or mobile phone-based applications, but if mobile-based, they must be installed on employer-provided phones and cannot be used for tracking unless the button is activated. The bill defines a panic button as a tool that, when pressed, immediately contacts either the local 9-1-1 emergency services (referred to as PSAP, or Public Safety Answering Point) or a security service that can alert 9-1-1, and it must provide the employee's location to dispatch law enforcement or emergency services. Furthermore, districts must create plans for situations where panic button functionality might be limited, and the commissioner of the office of children and family services will issue regulations to put these provisions into effect, with the law taking effect one year after it is passed.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6987