Enacts the "quiet hour public spaces inclusion act"; provides that every covered public building shall offer designated quiet hours during normal business hours; defines "quiet hours" as accommodations made for individuals with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, sensory processing disorders and other related conditions during a designated time including reduced lighting, lower noise levels and limited use of loudspeakers and announcements.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6637
SPONSOR: Santabarbara TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public buildings law, in relation to enacting the
"quiet hour public spaces inclusion act"
PURPOSE:
To mandate that all public institutions in New York offer designated
sensory-friendly hours for individuals with autism, PTSD, sensory proc-
essing disorders, and related conditions.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
*Requires public libraries, museums, recreational centers, and other
state-run institutions to offer designated quiet hours at least once per
week.
*Quiet hours must include:
*Reduced lighting
*Lower noise levels
*Limited use of loudspeakers and announcements
*Mandates staff training on assisting individuals with sensory disabili-
ties during quiet hours.
*Requires clear signage and online announcements informing the public of
scheduled quiet hours.
JUSTIFICATION:
For many individuals with sensory sensitivities, public spaces can be
overwhelming and inaccessible. This bill ensures public institutions
create a welcoming and inclusive environment by offering sensory-friend-
ly hours that accommodate their needs, promoting inclusivity without
disrupting regular operations.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:;
No significant fiscal implications are anticipated, as institutions can
implement quiet hours using existing staff and resources within current
operating budgets.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act will take effect 180 days after passage to allow time for
implementation and staff training.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
6637
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 6, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. SANTABARBARA -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the public buildings law, in relation to enacting the
"quiet hour public spaces inclusion act"
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as
2 the "quiet hour public spaces inclusion act".
3 § 2. The public buildings law is amended by adding a new section 148
4 to read as follows:
5 § 148. Quiet hour public spaces inclusion act. 1. For the purposes of
6 this section:
7 (a) "covered public building" means a building owned by the state of
8 New York, used for official state business, that is open to the public;
9 and
10 (b) "quiet hour" means accommodations made for individuals with
11 autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, sensory processing disorders and
12 other related conditions during a designated time including:
13 (i) reduced lighting;
14 (ii) lower noise levels; and
15 (iii) limited use of loudspeakers and announcements.
16 2. Every covered public building shall offer designated quiet hours
17 during normal business hours. Staff of such public buildings shall
18 receive training on assisting individuals with sensory disabilities
19 during such quiet hours.
20 3. Signage shall be posted within each covered public building and on
21 the website of each public entity in such covered public building
22 informing the public of scheduled quiet hours.
23 4. The commissioner of general services, in consultation with the
24 commissioner of developmental disabilities and the commissioner of
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10287-01-5
A. 6637 2
1 health, shall create and disseminate a model quiet hours policy for all
2 covered public buildings in the state.
3 § 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
4 it shall have become a law.
