Requires the provision of assistive listening systems in New York state public transportation terminals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Requires assistive listening systems in New York state public transportation terminals to improve accessibility for riders who are deaf or hard of hearing.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Summary: Assembly Bill A 3069 (2025)

What the bill would do

A 3069 proposes requiring assistive listening systems to be provided in New York state public transportation terminals. The core intent is to improve accessibility for riders who are deaf or hard of hearing by ensuring that announcements and information at terminals are audible through assistive listening technology.

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to enhance accessibility and communication for riders with hearing impairments in public transit environments.

By mandating assistive listening systems, the measure seeks to reduce barriers to information such as station announcements, arrival/departure updates, and safety messages.

Key provisions (note: exact language and specifics are not provided in the information available)

Installations: Require assistive listening systems in public transportation terminals across New York state.

Standards: The bill’s text would specify the technical or performance standards for the systems (e.g., compatibility with equipment, volume controls, amplification quality), but these details are not included in the provided materials.

Maintenance and Operation: Potential requirements for ongoing maintenance, testing, and operation to ensure systems remain functional. Specific provisions are not provided here.

Compliance and Enforcement: Possible timelines, inspections, or penalties for noncompliance, which are not detailed in the information available.

Funding and implementation: Any funding mechanism or phased rollout (e.g., by facility type or by agency) is not described in the available materials.

Affected parties

Riders who rely on assistive listening technology and people with hearing impairments.

Public transportation agencies and terminal operators responsible for installing and maintaining the systems.

Vendors and contractors that provide assistive listening equipment and related services.

Procedural status and timeline

Introduced: January 23, 2025.

Current status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Transportation (REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION). The bill has two identical legislative action entries on the same date, indicating placement in committee.

Next steps (typical): The Transportation Committee would review, possibly amend, and vote on the bill; if approved, it would move to the floor for further consideration and potential passage. A final status (enactment, amendments, or failure) would depend on subsequent legislative action.

Sponsorship and related legislation

Primary sponsor: Linda Rosenthal.

Related bills from prior sessions: A 2156, A 517, A 1006, A 2196, and A 789. The presence of these related measures indicates ongoing legislative interest in accessibility improvements for transportation facilities.

Why this matters

If enacted, the bill could standardize accessibility improvements across NY public transportation terminals, benefitting riders with hearing loss and aligning with broader accessibility objectives. The precise scope, costs, implementation timeline, and enforcement details will hinge on the bill’s full text and committee deliberations.