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History
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.811
- Referred to consumer protection
- Referred to consumer protection
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Requires hotels with balconies to notify purchasers of rooms of certain safety issues
In Assembly Committee · Consumer Affairs And Protection · Sponsor Ginny Fields
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to certain hotels, motels and motor courts with balconies
Purpose
To protect young children by requiring hotels, motels and motor courts whose balconies have railings which are spaced more than 4" apart to notify the families of this condition and potential for young children to slip through the railings.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 states legislative findings and intent.
Section 2 provides that the act shall be known as "Sammy's Law".
Section 3 amends section 204-b of the general business law to require that hotels, motels and motor courts, that are not in compliance with current New York State building code, or the building code of the City of New York, if applicable, requirements pertaining to the space between railings, shall post in all covered rental units the following notice, or a substantially similar notice, in a conspicuous location at eye level on the door used to access the balcony from the unit in such a manner that a person exiting the unit through the door is most likely to see such notice. Such notice shall state:
"WARNING": The potential exists for young children to slip through spaces between the balusters or ornamental patterns of this balcony." Such notice shall be printed in no less than forty point type, except that the word "WARNING: shall be printed in at least seventy-two point type. Such notice shall be printed in English and in the second most popular language spoken by residents in the county in which the public lodging accommodation is located.
Section 4 provides for an effective date 60 days after it shall have become law.
Justification
Current New York State Building Codes require that the spacing between railings on balconies be no larger than 4", however buildings created prior to this standard were grandfathered in. As a result many hotels and motels do have balconies which may pose a risk to young children who can slip through the railings. Tragically, in January 2006 a 3 and 1/2 year old boy from New York named Sammy fell to his death from an 8th floor balcony. The space between the railings at the hotel his family was staying at were 4 5/8" and Sammy slipped through. While Sammy can not be brought back, New York State can protect other young children by making sure that families of young children are warned by hotels and motels of railings that are spaced more than 4" apart. This bill will make sure that the public is made aware and can take the necessary precautions.
Legislative history
2008 S.2443-A/Passed Senate 2007 S.2443-A/Passed Senate
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS ::None to State.
Effective date
On the 60th day after enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.