S3283

The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Rivera to amend the Public Health Law, modifying hospital notification requirements for emancipated minors' families. The bill passed 36-22 on a roll call vote. The measure changes the standard for hospital notification from 'reasonable efforts' to 'diligent efforts' when attempting to locate parents or guardians of emancipated minors—defined as teenage parents or 16-year-olds living independently. Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, voting against the measure, criticized it as anti-family, arguing the new standard weakens protections and could result in hospitals failing to notify families in critical situations, such as when a child is on life support. She expressed particular concern about scenarios involving teenage parents or minors living independently. The bill takes effect 90 days after becoming law.