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State Assemblyman Robert Smullen is advocating for the passage of the Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Act in Albany. The bill, named after his late son, aims to allow families and friends of accident victims to set up memorial signs at the locations where their loved ones died. Smullen's 14-year-old son, AJ, died in March 2024 after being hit by a vehicle on Route Seven near Bellevue Women's Hospital in Niskayuna.
The proposed legislation seeks to raise awareness about traffic safety by placing safety reminders on these signs. According to the New York State Senate, Assemblyman Smullen emphasized the importance of constant reminders for drivers to slow down and drive safely. He stated, "It would be a great way to memorialize AJ and his memory and all the things that people need to know about traffic safety."
The bill has garnered bipartisan support, but it still requires approval from both the Assembly and the Senate before it can be sent to the Governor's desk. With the New York State legislative session nearing its end, the urgency to pass the bill is increasing.