Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Sammy’s Law Not Expected to Pass in Assembly 

Amy Cohen, whose son was killed by a reckless driver, has spent years advocating for Sammy’s Law. She’s seen here with former Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

State lawmakers will not bring Sammy’s Law to a vote this session, according to advocates and the Brooklyn City Council Member who was influential in garnering long-overdue support for the measure in the Council.

The measure would allow New York City to set its own speed limits below the state minimum of 25 miles per hour.

“Unbelievable. I'm incredibly disappointed that the State Assembly is refusing to bring #SammysLaw up for a vote after the @NYCCouncil *and* @NYCMayor showed our support for the law through a super majority. Families across the city deserve this vote,” Council Member Jen Gutierrez (D-Williamsburg) tweeted on Wednesday after hearing that Albany lawmakers had said in a conference on Tuesday night they wouldn't move on the matter.

Sammy’s Law — named after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was killed by a reckless driver in Brooklyn in 2013 — did not make it into the state budget this year despite the backing of both Gov. Hochul and the state Senate. Now, in order to become law, it must pass via the normal legislative process before the end of session on June 8, requiring majority votes from both houses in Albany and a so-called home rule message from the City Council, which passed last week.

“It is unconscionable that the bill may not come for a vote this session,” Amy Cohen, Sammy’s mother, told Streetsblog. “Not hearing it's a done deal. But we’re not getting a commitment that this bill will come up for a vote.”

The law would finally allow New York City to set its own speed limits below 25 miles per hour at 20 miles per hour. It would not automatically change the speed limit, it would just authorize the city to do so.

The Senate is expected to pass the bill, but the Assembly is not — recalling the end of session in 2021, when the lower chamber failed to bring the legislation to a vote before lawmakers skipped town for the summer.

Streetsblog previously reported that Assembly Member William Magnarelli (D-Syracuse), the chairman of the Transportation Committee, was supportive of the bill as long as it came with a home rule message. Insiders say Speaker Heastie is refusing to hold a vote due to pushback from lawmakers. He only in the last two weeks assigned the bill to Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal (D-Upper West Side), after its main sponsor, Assembly Member Dick Gottfried, retired last year. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-West Side) is carrying the bill in the upper house.

“It doesn’t appear to have enough support in the Assembly, so I doubt it will get to the floor,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon (D-Carroll Gardens) in a text message to Streetsblog.

Neither Heastie nor Magnarelli responded to requests for comment. Heastie has never spoken publicly about Sammy's Law.

This is a breaking story and will be updated as soon as possible.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Citi Bike Adds New Neighborhoods As Negotiations Continue for Larger Expansion

Citi Bike will expand to new areas of Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx and add stations to busy parts of its existing map, Mayor Adams said.

December 13, 2024

Friday’s Headlines: Yes, We’re Still Talking About Congestion Pricing Edition

Our New Year's resolution: Do whatever we can to make sure congestion pricing is implemented on Jan. 5. Plus more news.

December 13, 2024

Patch Job: Hudson River Greenway Uptown Returns Next Week, For Now

The answer to the sinkhole greenway is right there: taking a lane from the Henry Hudson Parkway.

December 13, 2024

America Has A New ‘Friendliest’ State for Cycling

...but even the best of the best isn't doing enough to protect people on two wheels, a top advocacy group warns.

December 12, 2024

Two Council Members Abandon E-Bike Registration Bill After Divisive Hearing

Council members Chi Ossé and Yusef Salaam pulled their support of a City Council bill that seeks to register all e-bikes.

December 12, 2024
See all posts