Enacts the New York commission for the deaf and hard of hearing act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nader Sayegh

Establishes the New York Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to advocate for Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents, advise state agencies, and improve accessibility.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Summary of Bill A 2655 — Enacts the New York Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Act

Basic information

Bill number: A 2655

Title: Enacts the New York commission for the deaf and hard of hearing act

Status: Referred to Governmental Operations

Introduced: January 21, 2025

Sponsor: Nader Sayegh (primary)

Related bills (prior-session): S 8293; A 8176; A 3124

Purpose and intent (as inferred from the title)

The bill proposes to enact a new statute creating the New York Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. While the provided materials do not include the full text, the typical purpose of such a commission is to represent and advocate for Deaf and hard of hearing residents, advise state government on policies and services, and coordinate efforts to improve accessibility, communication access, and overall quality of life for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Note: The exact authorizations, duties, powers, membership structure, and funding mechanisms would be set forth in the bill’s text. Readers should consult the enacted version or committee memo for precise provisions.

Key provisions (availability and specifics not in provided text)

The specific statutory provisions are not included in the provided materials. Based on common structure for a state “commission” act, anticipated types of provisions may include:
- Establishment of a Governor-appointed Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Defined mission and duties (advocacy, policy advice, accessibility standards, public education)
- Appointment terms, composition, and qualifications
- Roles in advising state agencies, legislative committees, and the Governor
- Reporting requirements (e.g., annual or biennial reports)
- Funding and administrative support (budget provisions, staffing)
- Rules for public participation and accessibility in commission operations

However, the actual text may differ; the above is speculative and should be verified in the bill’s full language.

Affected parties

Deaf and hard of hearing residents of New York

State government agencies and departments

Public service providers, healthcare, education, transportation, and the workplace

Advocacy groups and organizations serving the Deaf and hard of hearing communities

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations on January 21, 2025.

No further action details are provided in the available materials; the bill may be subject to hearings, amendments, and votes in the Governmental Operations committee and, if advanced, the full Legislature.

Related considerations

The bill has related predecessors in the prior session (S 8293; A 8176; A 3124). Reviewing these versions can provide context on the policy intent and possible differences in the current A 2655.

Next steps for readers

Obtain the full bill text to confirm the exact provisions, governance structure, funding, and implementation timeline.

Monitor committee actions in Governmental Operations for hearings, amendments, and a potential floor vote.

Compare with related prior-session bills (S 8293, A 8176, A 3124) to understand shifts in language or scope.