Requires windows in newly constructed multiple dwellings with two or more stories to be fitted with key-operated window locks that restrict the window from opening more than four inches.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8014
SPONSOR: Cunningham TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the multiple dwelling law, in relation to requiring
windows in new multiple dwellings exceeding one story in height to be
fitted with key-operated window locks
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To enhance window safety and prevent injuries by allowing windows to
only open four inches unless a key is used to open them farther.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 describes the requirements of the safety windows to be used in
every new multiple dwelling building greater than one story constructed
after the effective date of this act. All windows. other than fire
escapes and emergency exits must be fitted with key-operated locks.
These locks will restrict the window opening to no more than four inches
when locked, and can be unlocked with a key to open the windows farther.
Section 2 provides for an immediate effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
N/A
JUSTIFICATION:
Multiple recent incidents of children falling out of open windows have
highlighted the need for enhanced window safety. Many of these injuries
and deaths have occurred when children were able to slip out of small
openings in the windows. This act proposes a solution whereby windows in
new construction buildings will only be able to open four inches when
locked. A key can be used to unlock them farther when desired.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:;
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
8014
2023-2024 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
September 1, 2023
___________
Introduced by M. of A. CUNNINGHAM -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Housing
AN ACT to amend the multiple dwelling law, in relation to requiring
windows in new multiple dwellings exceeding one story in height to be
fitted with key-operated window locks
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Section 30 of the multiple dwelling law is amended by
2 adding a new subdivision 11 to read as follows:
3 11. (a) The provisions of this subdivision shall apply to every new
4 multiple dwelling constructed on or after the effective date of this
5 subdivision exceeding one story in height.
6 (b) All windows, except windows leading to fire escapes and one window
7 in each ground floor or basement apartment to be used as an emergency
8 exit, shall be fitted with key-operated window locks.
9 (c) For the purposes of this subdivision, "key-operated window lock"
10 shall mean a device that restricts a window opening to no more than four
11 inches when locked and that can be locked and unlocked using a key.
12 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13133-01-3
