S7185

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to conduct a study on domestic violence in the transgender community. Senate Print 7185, sponsored by Sen. Parker, passed on a roll call vote of 59-0. During floor debate, Sen. Helming voted in favor of the measure but used the opportunity to call attention to what she characterized as a critical gap in the state's domestic violence services infrastructure. Helming noted that several New York counties still lack domestic violence shelters, leaving abused women and children without safe places to go. She urged the Legislature to prioritize expanding shelter access across all counties when considering the state budget in the coming year. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.