Addabbo Announces Approval of Legislative Package Addressing Education, Health Care, Economic Development and Public Safety Issues Raised by District Constituents
June 5, 2026
Queens, NY (June 3, 2026) NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., announced the passage of a package of bills, cosponsored by the Senator, that address many concerns raised by constituents throughout the district. These measures will help improve educational support for children with medical conditions, expand access to preventive health care for cancer survivors, strengthen small business development, and enhance public safety for e-bike and e-scooter users.
“Many of the best ideas for legislation come directly from the people we represent,” said Addabbo. “As cosponsor, this package of bills reflects conversations I’ve had with families, patients, business owners, advocates, and community members who identified problems in their daily lives and asked for solutions. These measures address real challenges facing New Yorkers and demonstrate how government can respond to the needs of our communities,” Addabbo added.
The first bill, S.4903B, known as the “Shepherd Patterson Law,” would require health care providers to offer educational information to parents and guardians when a child is diagnosed with a medical condition that may qualify as a disability under the federal Rehabilitation Act.
The legislation would ensure families are informed about educational accommodations and services that may be available to help students safely participate in school and receive an appropriate education.
“Parents facing a serious medical diagnosis for their child already have so much to navigate,” Addabbo said. “Ensuring families receive information about potential educational accommodations, we can help children receive the support they need and provide school personnel with critical information that can protect student health and well-being.”
The Senate also passed S.520, legislation to help ensure individuals with a personal history of ovarian cancer have access to important health screenings and preventive care.
The bill recognizes that cancer survivors may face increased health risks and seeks to improve access to screenings that can aid in early detection and better long-term health outcomes.
“Surviving cancer is a victory, but for many survivors, the journey does not end when treatment is complete,” Addabbo said. “This legislation acknowledges the unique challenges cancer survivors face and helps ensure they have access to the preventive care and screenings that can save lives.”
To help entrepreneurs and strengthen local economies, the Senate passed S.6626A to establish a statewide online registry of vacant commercial storefronts.
The registry would provide prospective business owners with a centralized resource to identify available commercial spaces, connect with property owners, and explore opportunities to establish or expand businesses in communities across New York.
“Vacant storefronts affect the vitality of our neighborhoods and commercial corridors,” explained Addabbo. “This legislation will make it easier for entrepreneurs to find suitable locations, help property owners fill vacancies, and support economic growth in communities large and small.”
The final package bill, S.8948A, would require bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters sold or leased in New York to be equipped with front and rear lights before reaching consumers.
The measure is intended to improve visibility and safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists, particularly during nighttime hours and low-light conditions.
“As e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly popular transportation options, we must ensure safety standards keep pace,” commented Addabbo. “Requiring these devices to be equipped with proper lighting from the point of sale is a commonsense step that will improve visibility and help prevent accidents.”
Addabbo noted that while each bill addresses a different issue, they share a common purpose of responding to constituent concerns and improving the quality of life for New Yorkers.
“Whether helping a child receive necessary accommodations at school, supporting cancer survivors, revitalizing business districts, or improving public safety, these bills reflect our commitment to listening to constituents and turning their concerns into meaningful action,” Addabbo concluded. “I am proud to have co-sponsored these measures and will continue working to advance legislation that makes a positive difference in people’s lives.”
All legislation in this package has been delivered to the Assembly for consideration by the appropriate committee, except for S.8948A, which passed the Assembly and now awaits action by the Governor.