Requires the department of health examine heat related deaths in the state of New York

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic6

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Gustavo Rivera says this is needed

According to official data from the New York City government, each summer, an estimated 570 New Yorkers die prematurely due to hot weather in New York City (NYC). These heat-related deaths account for approxi- mately 3% of all deaths during the warm months of May through September. This has prompted the city to adopt measures to monitor and collect data on this issue, aiming to make better-informed decisions to save lives. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and Copernicus-the EU's meteorological association-announced in their latest report released in January 2025 that 2024 was the hottest year in recorded human history. In light of the global climate crisis, which continues to grow more alarming, the State of New York must be adequate- ly prepared to address these challenges. High temperatures significantly impact people's lives differently. Data collected in NYC reveals that vulnerable populations face greater risks of heat-related deaths, particularly Black individuals, who are twice as likely to die from heat-exacerbated conditions compared to White indi- viduals. Additionally, those without air conditioning in their homes are at considerable risk, as most heat-related deaths occur in residential settings. This bill expands the definitions of heat-related deaths, to include both heat-exacerbated and heat-stress deaths, to raise awareness of the issue, it would mandate the implementation of statistical models to monitor temperatures and heat-related deaths, and requires the collection of complementary data on vulnerability contexts and demo- graphics. Furthermore, it directs the preparation of an annual report to be submitted to the Senate and Assembly and made publicly available on the department's website. These measures would enable the Senate and Assembly to make informed legislative decisions based on the collected data. Additionally, New York State would be better positioned to develop plans to mitigate the risks posed by extreme heat.

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.