Albany – Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi announced today that a slate of bills he has introduced this session advanced in the legislature this past week.

The legislation includes A.65 – to create a statewide supervised visitation program – which passed the Assembly by a vote of 135-2 following floor debate between Assemblymember Hevesi and Mary Beth Walsh, as well as bills A.7603 (addressing service gaps for kids with complex behavioral needs) and A.3264B (SAFE Shelter Act for domestic violence shelter) being voted through their respective committees.

Statewide supervised visitation will create a program in which families across New York have access to safe, structured visitation services when ordered by the courts, with the other bills addressing service coordination gaps for children with complex needs and expanding access to emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence, respectively.

These measures reflect the Assemblymember's broader priorities as State Children & Families Committee Chair, with additional legislation being advanced towards the back end of session to reform the state child welfare system, protect immigrant families, address gaps for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, better align justice systems toward rehabilitation, and move New York closer to Universal Child Care.

"It was extremely encouraging to see these bills move, especially as we are still amidst the extended negotiation for this year's final enacted state budget," said Hevesi. "What this really is, is a testament to the grassroots support across the state on these bills, and it's exactly that support that's going to keep us moving these last weeks in Albany. Looking forward."