NYC Council Approves “Avonte's Law” to Install Door Alarms in Special Needs Schools

Parent activists pushed for the bill requiring audible alarms after Avonte's disappearance prompted a massive search

The City Council has approved a bill requiring audible alarms on doors in schools with special needs programs.

The bill known as Avonte's Law was inspired by the disappearance of 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo from his school in Queens last October.

The City Council passed the bill unanimously Thursday.

Parent activists pushed for the bill requiring audible alarms after Avonte's disappearance prompted a massive search.

The search proved futile. The autistic teenager's body was found in January along the East River.

The bill will require the city Department of Education and the Police Department to submit a list of schools where alarms may be warranted.

Priority schools will include those serving students with severe disabilities

Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said the law will give parents peace of mind.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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