Advocates are pushing for Kyra’s Law to be included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget proposal.
The legislation is named for 2-year-old Kyra Franchetti, whose father shot her in the back while she slept during a court-ordered unsupervised visit in 2016.
If passed, the law would require the court to prioritize a child’s life and safety during custody proceedings or when making decisions about visitation. It would also mandate specific domestic violence, child abuse and child-sex abuse training for judges.
The bill made it through the state Senate last year but stalled in the Assembly.
Kyra’s mother, Jacqueline, told Spectrum News 1 that she wants to avoid that outcome by having the legislation included in the budget instead of the usual legislative process.
“We go through the budget process, the budget goes long, and then there’s a mad dash to try to pass things. Why not just put it in now?” Franchetti said. “New Yorkers need this now. New York children cannot wait one more day.”
State Senate sponsor James Skoufis said he doesn’t know if the governor will ultimately include the bill, but he would welcome it.
“My expectation would be if the executive puts it in her budget. The Senate would come to the negotiating table in a supportive role and be very favorable to keeping it included in the final budget, so we will see soon enough but it would be wonderful,” Skoufis, a Democrat representing parts of the Hudson Valley, said.
If the bill is not included, momentum is expected to continue to pass it through the Legislature.