What's happening
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New York State to address and prevent adverse childhood experiences as a public concern.
Why it matters
Elevates adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to a constitutional issue. , signaling that preventing trauma and its effects among children is a fundamental concern of state policy, not just a matter for social services or education.
Creates a legal mandate for state and local governments. to take action on ACEs, potentially requiring new or expanded programs, funding, or policies dedicated to early intervention, mental health, family support, and trauma prevention.
Gives the legislature ongoing flexibility. to define what actions are appropriate, allowing for evolving scientific understanding and best practices in preventing and mitigating childhood adversity over time.
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Who cares
Children affected by adverse childhood experiences
The amendment would make preventing and mitigating those experiences a constitutional public concern to be addressed by the state and designated local governments.
State lawmakers
The amendment would leave the Legislature to determine how and by what means the state and its subdivisions address adverse childhood experiences.
Local governments
The amendment would require state subdivisions selected by the Legislature to address the prevention and mitigation of adverse childhood experiences.
Headline styles
Protect Kids from Trauma
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to children and families
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to children and families
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
719
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 8, 2025
Introduced by M. of A. HEVESI, BLANKENBUSH, ROSENTHAL, CRUZ, EPSTEIN, SIMON -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. TAGUE, TAYLOR -- read once and referred to the Committee on Children and Families
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to article 17 of the constitution, in relation to preventing and mitigating adverse childhood experiences
Section 1. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That article 17 of the constitution be amended by adding a new section 8 to read as follows:
§ 8. The prevention and mitigation of adverse childhood experiences is a public concern and shall be addressed by the state and by such of its subdivisions, and in such manner and by such means, as the legislature may from time to time determine.
§ 2. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD89015-01-5
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.