Relates to adding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to the definition of developmental disability

Latest action Jan 7, 2026

Adds fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to the definition of developmental disability.

Not chosen yet

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

Introduced
In committee
Up for a vote
Passed one chamber
Passed
Enacted

New York State Senate

Same as A999, the matching bill in the Assembly.

Amends the Mental Hygiene Law.

Committee

Disabilities · New York State Senate

Also referred to People with Disabilities · New York State Assembly, Ways and Means · New York State Assembly.

Purpose, from the sponsor's memo

This bill would allow for any variation of fetal alcohol spectrum disor- ders to be included within the definition of developmental disabilities so people with this disorder can receive state funded services and aid.

Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)

Cosponsors

Andrew Hevesi, Angelo Santabarbara and 17 more on Agora

Democratic15
Republican4

Show all 19 on Agora

See the full list on nysenate.gov

The sponsor's argument

Why Samra Brouk says this is needed

FASD is a pressing public health problem with experts estimating that it affects just as many people as autism, if not more. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 to 5 percent of Americans may have FASD, making the condition more prevalent than previously recognized. And yet, it is often missed. One reason is the misguided shame of having borne a child with FASD. The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is the system of care in NYS responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. OPWDD provides a range of services including the following: family support, recreation and social- ization, individual support, employment assistance, and housing assist- ance. Many individuals with FASD need extra support to learn the skills to live independently. Adding FASD into the developmental disability definition allows for OPWDD to now fund and assist those living with FASD.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.

Full history

Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO DISABILITIES
NY Senate
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
Dec 12, 2025
Amend and Recommit to Disabilities
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO DISABILITIES
NY Senate
Nov 24, 2025
Amend and Recommit to Ways and Means
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
Mar 25, 2025
Reported out of committee
REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly

Show full history (2 earlier events)

Jan 8, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO DISABILITIES
NY Senate
Jan 8, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
NY Assembly

About this record

Summary: The summary comes from NY Open Legislation, the New York State Senate's public record. For more, see How we handle summaries.
Cosponsors: The list shows the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.
Party colors: Parties are shown in the same neutral colors.
Source: From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Oct 30, 2026. About our data

Read the record

Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.

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