New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06987

Introduced
3/27/25  
Refer
3/27/25  

Caption

Requires every city or county social services district to provide a wearable or mobile phone-based panic button to each employee whose job responsibilities necessitate direct interaction with clients in a client's home.

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly enhance workplace safety for social services employees by equipping them with a reliable means to seek immediate help in potentially dangerous situations. By mandating the provision of these panic buttons, the bill aims to reduce the risks faced by employees who often work in unpredictable environments, particularly when they visit clients' homes. The legislation is a proactive step towards improving employee security and addressing the concerns of social workers regarding safety while performing their duties.

Summary

Bill S06987 proposes amendments to the social services law mandating that every city or county social services district in New York must provide each employee who has direct client interaction in a home setting with a panic button. The panic button can be either a wearable device or a mobile phone-based application, designed to facilitate immediate emergency responses by contacting local law enforcement or emergency services upon activation. The bill ensures that the panic buttons are only to be used for emergencies and prohibits tracking employee locations except during an emergency situation. Employees will not incur any costs associated with this safety equipment.

Contention

Debate surrounding Bill S06987 mainly revolves around the logistics and financial implications of implementing the provisions. Some legislators may question the adequacy of funding to support the acquisition of panic buttons, proper training for employees on their usage, and ongoing maintenance of the related infrastructure. Additionally, there may be discussions on the extent of employer obligations to ensure that the safety mechanisms function effectively, particularly in areas where emergency services response may be slow. Opponents of broad mandates may also argue for more flexibility in determining safety measures that suit their specific operational environments.

Companion Bills

NY A07833

Same As Requires every city or county social services district to provide a wearable or mobile phone-based panic button to each employee whose job responsibilities necessitate direct interaction with clients in a client's home.

Previously Filed As

NY A07833

Requires every city or county social services district to provide a wearable or mobile phone-based panic button to each employee whose job responsibilities necessitate direct interaction with clients in a client's home.

NY S08724

Requires security at all publicly accessible entrances of general hospitals; requires every general hospital to have either one off-duty law enforcement officer or trained security personnel be present at all times at each publicly accessible entrance or have installed locking doors at each publicly accessible entrance; requires every general hospital to provide wearable employee panic buttons or alert devices capable of immediately notifying on-site security personnel or law enforcement in the event of a dangerous situation or emergency.

NY SB2498

Alyssa's Law; enact to require public schools to implement a panic alert system making use of wearable panic alert devices.

NY SB2534

Alyssa's Law; enact to require school districts to implement a panic alert system making use of wearable panic alert devices.

NY SF4630

Schools requirement to implement a wearable panic alert system

NY HB1492

To Require Each Public School District And Open-enrollment Public Charter School To Implement A Mobile Panic Alert System.

NY SB1435

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE-PANIC BUTTON

NY S09755

Requires a payroll services business to compile and provide annual wage and tax statements and/or year-end forms to clients without additional cost or delay.

NY A11282

Requires a payroll services business to compile and provide annual wage and tax statements and/or year-end forms to clients without additional cost or delay.

NY SB3123

General Fund; FY2027 appropriation to Department of Education for wearable panic alert system at each school facility.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.