New York legislation · 2025-2026 General Assembly
New York S5998: Establishes "Kyra's Law"
Status: Passed both chambers, June 5, 2026
Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety.
What the bill says
An act to amend the domestic relations law and the family court act, in relation to establishing "Kyra's Law".
From the amended text, May 26, 2026:
AN ACT to amend the domestic relations law and the family court act, in relation to establishing "Kyra's Law" THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as "Kyra's Law". § 2. Legislative intent. The legislature recognizes that the safety of children is of paramount importance and is an integral element of their best interests. To that end, the legislature finds that judicial decisions regarding custody of, and access to, children shall promote the safety of children as a threshold issue. § 3. Paragraphs (a) and (a-1) of subdivision 1 of section 240 of the domestic relations law, paragraph (a) as amended by chapter 567 of the laws of 2015 and paragraph (a-1) as amended by chapter 295 of the laws of 2009, are amended to read as matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD10304-15-6 S. 5998--C 2 (a) In any action or proceeding brought (1) to annul a marriage or to declare the nullity of a void marriage, or (2) for a separation, or (3) for a divorce, or (4) to obtain, by a writ of habeas corpus or by petition and order to show cause, the custody of or right to …
Sponsors
- James Skoufis (D, 42) · primary sponsor
- Joseph Addabbo (D, 15)
- Jacob Ashby (R, 43)
- George Borrello (R, 57)
- Samra Brouk (D, 55)
- Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R, 9)
- Cordell Cleare (D, 30)
- Leroy Comrie (D, 14)
- Jeremy Cooney (D, 56)
- Patricia Fahy (D, 46)
- Patrick Gallivan (R, 60)
- Andrew Gounardes (D, 26)
Latest actions
- : RETURNED TO SENATE
- : PASSED ASSEMBLY
- : ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.536
- : SUBSTITUTED FOR A6194C
- : REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
- : DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
- : PASSED SENATE
- : AMENDED ON THIRD READING 5998C
- : ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
- : 2ND REPORT CAL.
Votes
- FLOOR Vote (June 4, 2026): 60 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Judiciary Committee: COMMITTEE Vote (May 19, 2026): 19 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Judiciary Committee Vote (May 19, 2026): 19 yea, 0 nay, passed
- FLOOR Vote (June 13, 2025): 59 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Rules Committee: COMMITTEE Vote (June 12, 2025): 20 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Rules Committee (June 12, 2025): 20 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Domestic Relations Law
Common questions
- What is S5998?
- S5998 is a bill in the New York Legislature (2025-2026 General Assembly): Establishes "Kyra's Law".
- What does S5998 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the domestic relations law and the family court act, in relation to establishing "Kyra's Law".
- What is the status of S5998?
- Passed both chambers as of June 5, 2026. Latest action: RETURNED TO SENATE (June 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored S5998?
- James Skoufis (D, 42), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S5998?
- On the New York Legislature website: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5998
Source: official New York record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.