NYC Council Introduction 29

intro.nyc/0029-2024 2024-2025 Legislative Session Mayor's Desk for Signature
Requiring a training program for first responders and a public awareness campaign regarding health effects of domestic violence-related traumatic brain injuries.
Sponsored by Amanda C. Farías
Introduced: February 8, 2024

This bill would require the Director of the New York City Office to End Gender-Based Violence, in consultation with the New York City Fire Commissioner and Police Commissioner, to develop a training program for first responders on how to recognize and respond to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that may result from domestic violence. The training, which would be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and subject matter experts, would cover topics such as the prevalence and causes of TBI among domestic violence survivors, how to identify symptoms, how to respond to support individuals in emergencies, and the long-term health impacts of repeated brain injuries. New recruits in the New York City Police and Fire Departments would be required to receive this training at the academy, and current first responders who regularly work with crime victims would receive refresher training at least every two years. The bill would also require the City to run a public awareness campaign to increase understanding and reduce stigma around brain injuries related to domestic violence. The campaign would include informational materials—available both online and in print and in multiple languages—about symptoms, risks, and available resources. Finally, the bill would establish an advisory panel made up of City officials and subject matter experts to review and update the training and campaign materials every two years.

Approved by Committee October 29, 2025

Committee on Health Votes 9:0:0
Lynn C. Schulman (Affirmative)
Joann Ariola (Affirmative)
Justin L. Brannan (Affirmative)
Carmen N. De La Rosa (Affirmative)
Simcha Felder (Affirmative)
Oswald J. Feliz (Medical)
James F. Gennaro (Affirmative)
Kristy Marmorato (Absent)
Julie Menin (Affirmative)
Mercedes Narcisse (Affirmative)
Susan Zhuang (Affirmative)

Approved by Council October 29, 2025

Votes 47:0:0
Adrienne E. Adams (Affirmative)
Diana I. Ayala (Affirmative)
Shaun Abreu (Affirmative)
Joann Ariola (Affirmative)
Alexa Avilés (Affirmative)
Chris Banks (Affirmative)
Erik D. Bottcher (Affirmative)
Justin L. Brannan (Affirmative)
Gale A. Brewer (Affirmative)
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (Affirmative)
Tiffany L. Cabán (Affirmative)
David M. Carr (Affirmative)
Carmen N. De La Rosa (Affirmative)
Eric Dinowitz (Affirmative)
Amanda C. Farías (Affirmative)
Simcha Felder (Affirmative)
Oswald J. Feliz (Affirmative)
James F. Gennaro (Affirmative)
Jennifer Gutiérrez (Affirmative)
Shahana K. Hanif (Affirmative)
Kamillah Hanks (Absent)
Robert F. Holden (Affirmative)
Crystal Hudson (Affirmative)
Rita C. Joseph (Affirmative)
Shekar Krishnan (Affirmative)
Linda Lee (Affirmative)
Farah N. Louis (Affirmative)
Kristy Marmorato (Affirmative)
Christopher Marte (Affirmative)
Darlene Mealy (Absent)
Julie Menin (Affirmative)
Frank Morano (Affirmative)
Francisco P. Moya (Affirmative)
Mercedes Narcisse (Affirmative)
Sandy Nurse (Affirmative)
Chi A. Ossé (Affirmative)
Vickie Paladino (Affirmative)
Keith Powers (Affirmative)
Lincoln Restler (Affirmative)
Kevin C. Riley (Affirmative)
Yusef Salaam (Absent)
Rafael Salamanca, Jr. (Affirmative)
Pierina Ana Sanchez (Affirmative)
Lynn C. Schulman (Affirmative)
Althea V. Stevens (Affirmative)
Sandra Ung (Affirmative)
Inna Vernikov (Affirmative)
Nantasha M. Williams (Affirmative)
Julie Won (Affirmative)
Susan Zhuang (Affirmative)