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Bill

S 5056

Requires the department of health examine heat related deaths in the state of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gustavo Rivera

Bill S 5056 requires New York's Department of Health to investigate heat-related deaths, aiming to gather data for better prevention strategies and protect vulnerable populations.

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Bill Summary · S 5056

Summary of Bill S 5056

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 5056
  • Title: Requires the Department of Health to Examine Heat-Related Deaths in the State of New York
  • Status: Referred to Ways and Means
  • Introduced: February 18, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5056 aims to address the growing concern over heat-related deaths in New York State. With rising temperatures and increasing frequency of heatwaves, the bill seeks to ensure that the Department of Health conducts a thorough examination of the causes and circumstances surrounding these fatalities. The intent is to gather data that can inform public health strategies and interventions to prevent future heat-related deaths.

Key Provisions

  • Examination of Heat-Related Deaths: The bill mandates the Department of Health to investigate and analyze heat-related deaths within the state.
  • Data Collection: The Department will be responsible for collecting data on the demographics, locations, and circumstances of these deaths.
  • Reporting Requirements: The findings from the examination must be compiled into a report, which will be submitted to the legislature. This report is expected to include recommendations for policy changes or public health initiatives aimed at reducing heat-related fatalities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public Health Officials: The Department of Health will take a leading role in the examination process, impacting their operations and resource allocation.
  • At-Risk Populations: Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and low-income communities, may benefit from improved public health strategies resulting from the bill's findings.
  • Legislators and Policymakers: The report generated from this examination will provide critical data that can influence future legislation and funding for heat-related health initiatives.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • February 18, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health Committee.
  • April 7, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Health Committee.
  • April 29, 2025: Reported and committed to Finance.
  • June 12, 2025: The bill was discharged from committee and committed to Rules, ordered to third reading.
  • June 13, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly, where it was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

Related Bills

  • A 755: This bill serves as a companion to S 5056, indicating a parallel legislative effort in the Assembly to address similar issues regarding heat-related deaths.

Conclusion

Bill S 5056 represents a proactive approach to tackling the public health challenge posed by heat-related deaths in New York State. By mandating a comprehensive examination of these incidents, the bill aims to equip policymakers with the necessary data to implement effective prevention strategies, ultimately safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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