Senate Unanimously Approves Bill Championed By Addabbo to Create Emergency Evacuation and Lockdown Plans for Special Needs Children

Queens, NY (June 6, 2025): Legislation introduced by NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. to require the development of appropriate emergency evacuation and lockdown plans for children with special needs advanced through the legislative process after being approved by the Senate on June 4. 

Addabbo’s bill, S.1197, requires schools and daycare facilities to develop specialized emergency plans for children with disabilities during an evacuation or lockdown. 

“Taking specific steps to proactively plan for the safety of our most vulnerable residents in emergencies, which would also aid our police, fire, and medical personnel in rescue efforts, is critically important on many levels,” Addabbo said. “I am hopeful we will continue to move forward in developing effective, timely emergency responses to keep every single New Yorker safe and unharmed in their times of greatest fear and need.”

Under S.1197, specialized evacuation and lockdown plans for children with disabilities in schools and daycare centers would be developed in consultation with local law enforcement, fire safety personnel, parents of children, and other relevant stakeholders.  A copy of the final plan must always be maintained in the school or daycare facility.

“With the increase in mass shootings and other violent crimes, we need to
have a plan in place to address the care and safety of special needs
children in schools and day care facilities when a building lockdown or
other emergency occurs,” stated Addabbo. “My bill will ensure that a viable
plan is in place to address the needs of disabled students,” concluded Addabbo.
After passing the Senate, the bill is now under consideration by the Assembly Education Committee.