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S2515C

An act to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law — 2024-05-16 · Calendar #479

The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law on a 56-0 roll call vote, with Sen. Ramos citing a public health emergency around pedestrian deaths in her district. Ramos highlighted eight children killed by cars in New York City over five months, including three in Queens, and specifically referenced eight-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo, who was struck and killed by a driver with four prior reckless driving arrests. Queens has recorded 18 traffic fatalities so far in 2024, tied for its most dangerous year at this point in 2023, and more than half of children killed in the past two years were killed in the borough, mostly near schools. Ramos said the bill, known as Sammy's Law, addresses two key community demands: passage of Sammy's Law and implementation of scramble crosswalks. She noted that 200 neighbors marched through the community demanding action on both measures. The legislation takes effect 90 days after becoming law.
PASSED Ayes: 56 · Nays: N/A

Debate Summary

Sen. Ramos spoke in support of the bill, citing eight children killed by cars in New York City in the past five months, with three in Queens. She highlighted the case of eight-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo, killed by a driver with four prior reckless driving arrests, and noted that Queens has had 18 fatalities in 2024. Ramos stated the bill addresses community demands to pass Sammy's Law and scramble crosswalks, and dedicated the legislation to children in her district and across Queens.