Meng Applauds Passage of Kevin and Avonte's Law

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today applauded House passage of Kevin and Avonte’s Law, a bill to improve protections for kids with autism and other conditions.

 

The legislation (H.R. 4919) is named in part after Avonte Oquendo, the 14-year-old autistic student from Meng’s district in Rego Park, Queens who died after he wandered from his school in 2013. The measure, which Meng cosponsored, passed by a vote of 346 to 66.

 

“What happened to Avonte Oquendo was a horrible tragedy that should have never occurred,” said Meng. “As a founder and Co-Chair of the Kids Safety Caucus, I believe that we must do everything we can to protect our kids, and this legislation will help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As a parent, my heart still aches for the Avonte family and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I thank my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of passing this bill.”

 

Kevin and Avonte’s Law would provide $10 million for tracking devices for children as well initiatives to improve education and training to prevent wandering.

 

Meng had helped to introduce a similar version of the bill in 2014.

 

The legislation is also named after nine-year-old Kevin Curtis Wills who drowned in the Raccoon River in Iowa in 2008.