Gov. Cuomo's Justice Center Bill Passes Both Houses

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Justice Center Bill passed in both the Senate and Assembly. This legislation establishes the strongest standards and practices in the nation for protecting people with special needs and disabilities through the creation of a new Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. The initiative will transform how New York State protects over one million New Yorkers in State operated, certified or licensed facilities and programs.

In response to the passage of the bill, Governor Cuomo issued the following statement:
“For too many years, we have heard story after story of abuse and mistreatment in facilities that are supposed to care for those with special needs and disabilities. With the legislation passed today, New York is standing up to say enough is enough. The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs will ensure that the more than one million New Yorkers with disabilities and special needs receive the proper treatment that they deserve. Protecting the civil rights of vulnerable individuals was one of my top priorities this legislative session, and with this new law, New York State has raised the bar to put in place the strongest standards and practices in the nation for protecting people with special needs. I thank the thousands of New Yorkers, including my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly, who joined in the fight to take action and bring justice to the system. Without their help, the passage of this important legislation would not have been possible.”

For more information about the Justice Center, please visit the Governor's Justice Center Website:
http://www.governor.ny.gov/Justice4SpecialNeeds/home