A 4821 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Directs the New York state bridge authority to provide a report outlining their efforts and progress on decreasing and deterring suicide attempts on authority bridges

This bill requires the New York State Bridge Authority to install specialized fencing on all bridges it operates. The fencing must prevent climbing by using features like welded wire mesh panels, tightly spaced wires, and spike collars. It applies to all new bridge construction contracts and mandates installation within three years of the law's effective date. The measure directly affects the Bridge Authority and its contractors, focusing solely on the physical safety requirement without broader policy changes.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

May 2026

Assembly Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 6, 2025 Last action May 5, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

A4821 → A4821A · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten to shift from a mandate requiring immediate installation of anti-climb fencing on bridges to a directive asking the Bridge Authority to submit a progress report on suicide prevention efforts. The original text demanding new physical infrastructure was removed, while new text requiring a detailed report by July 2027 was added. Additionally, the law's duration was changed from a permanent measure taking effect in three years to a temporary two-year provision that expires automatically.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from a permanent requirement to install specific physical safety features (fencing) on all state bridges to a temporary, two-year mandate requiring the submission of a progress report on suicide prevention strategies.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the mandate requiring the Bridge Authority to install climb-deterrent fencing with specific features like welded wire mesh and spike collars.

Added a requirement for the Bridge Authority to submit a comprehensive report to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2027, detailing efforts to decrease suicide attempts.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from three years after enactment to immediate effect, and added an expiration date two years after enactment.

SCOPE

Removed the requirement to amend the Public Authorities Law regarding construction contracts and replaced it with a reporting obligation.

Floor votes · Assembly May 5, 2026

How they voted

138–0

Passed · 11 other

Total votes 149

May 5, 2026

D Democratic102

95 Yea 7

93% Yea

R Republican47

43 Yea 4

91% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 5, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

upper

May 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

PASSED ASSEMBLY

lower

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 4821A

lower

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

lower

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

lower

Sep 5, 2025

Committee

REFERENCE CHANGED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

lower

Feb 6, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

lower

1 primary · 21 co-sponsors