S6238
An act in relation to defining the term 'mass shooting' for purposes of emergency response measures — 2023-05-22 · Calendar #870
The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday defining 'mass shooting' in state law to align with federal standards, a measure aimed at ensuring equitable emergency response resources for underserved communities. Senate Print 6238, sponsored by Sen. Myrie, passed on a 61-0 vote. Myrie explained that the bill addresses a disparity in how mass shooting incidents are treated across different communities. He cited a basketball tournament shooting in his district that killed one person but received limited public attention, arguing that communities like his do not receive the same emergency response resources or public sympathy as other areas when gun violence occurs. The legislation would standardize the state's definition of mass shooting to match federal consensus definitions, potentially triggering more robust emergency response measures and resource allocation for affected communities. Myrie credited Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman and community leaders with developing the proposal.
PASSED
Ayes: 61
· Nays: N/A
Debate Summary
Sen. Myrie explained that the bill seeks to define 'mass shooting' in state statutes to align with federal consensus definitions. He argued that communities like his district do not receive adequate attention or emergency response resources when mass shootings occur, and that standardizing the definition would help ensure equitable resource allocation and emergency response. Myrie referenced a basketball tournament shooting in his district that resulted in one fatality but received limited public attention, illustrating the disparity in response to gun violence in underserved communities.