An act to amend the Social Services Law —
2024-06-06
· Calendar #1823
The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring the state to collect identifying information from those making reports to Child Protective Services, in an effort to combat harassment reporting and protect vulnerable families. Senate Print 902B passed 59-1, with only Sen. Martinez voting in opposition. The bill amends the Social Services Law to allow the state to investigate cases of false CPS reports while keeping reporter information confidential. Sen. Brisport, the bill's sponsor, argued that the measure addresses a critical civil rights issue, noting that Black children and children of color are disproportionately separated from families based on poverty and subjected to traumatic investigations. He highlighted that anonymous reporting enables abusers to weaponize CPS against vulnerable people, particularly domestic abuse victims, and cited data showing that only 3.5 percent of the 10,000 anonymous reports made annually to CPS prove credible. Brisport characterized the legislation as a historic step toward protecting families' civil rights, while acknowledging that broader reforms to the CPS system are needed to address root issues.
PASSED
Ayes: 59
· Nays: 1
Debate Summary
Sen. Brisport argued that the bill addresses harassment through false CPS reports by requiring the state to collect identifying information from those making reports to Child Protective Services. He contended that Black children and children of color are disproportionately separated from families based on poverty and subjected to traumatic investigations, and that anonymous reporting enables abusers to weaponize CPS against vulnerable people, particularly domestic abuse victims. Brisport noted that of 10,000 anonymous reports made annually, only 3.5 percent are credible, and characterized the bill as a historic step toward protecting families' civil rights.