NYS Assembly still undecided on ‘Sammy’s Law’ to lower NYC speed limit
Albany Democrats have paused the legislation to reduce speed limits to 20 mph in New York, despite 68% of city residents personally supporting the limit in their own neighborhoods, according to a 2022 Emerson Poll survey of 525 registered voters. Amy Cohen, the driving force behind the bill, demanded that the Assembly bring the bill to a vote. “We are demanding that the Assembly bring the bill to a vote,” she shouted, adding that it was “outrageous.” The Assembly seems unlikely to pass the bill before Albany Democrats leave the state Capitol for the year on June 8.
Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal (D-Queens) changed his mind about supporting the bill, saying: “I do not believe that this law will have the effect it desires. This law will simply allow New York City to increase its collection of speed camera fines. This bill is about revenue, not public safety.” Opposition from outer-borough Democrats also appears to be a key reason for the bill’s stalling in the Assembly. Some of them piped up at a Democratic conference meeting earlier this week, expressing concerns with voter backlash considering some public fatigue with safe street initiatives and the impending congestion pricing plan to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. Transportation Committee Chair Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) blamed the New York City Council for dawdling on delivering a “home rule” message to formally request the Legislature to act on the bill.
FAQs:
What is the current speed limit in New York City?
The current speed limit in New York City is 25 mph.
Who is Amy Cohen?
Amy Cohen is the driving force behind the bill to reduce speed limits to 20 mph in New York City. Her 12-year-old son, Sammy Cohen Eckstein, was killed in a traffic crash in 2013.
What is the name of the bill to reduce speed limits to 20 mph in New York City?
The bill is named “Sammy’s Law” in memory of Sammy Cohen Eckstein.
What is a home rule message?
A home rule message is a procedural step that the New York City Council needs to make to formally request the Legislature to act on a bill.
‘Sammy’s Law’ Lowering NYC Speed Limit Remains Undecided by NYS Assembly
Albany Democrats have faced criticism from advocates after halting a bill designed to lower speed limits to 20 mph in New York, with the driving force behind the proposal, Amy Cohen, slamming the decision as “outrageous.” Her 12-year-old son, Sammy Cohen Eckstein, was killed in a traffic accident in 2013. A survey of 525 New York residents conducted by Emerson Polls in 2022 showed that 68% of participants were personally in favor of the reduced speed limit. However, despite support from public figures including Mayor Eric Adams, the bill is not expected to be passed before the Assembly leaves the state Capitol on June 8.