As Avonte Oquendo’s family laid him to rest this weekend, Sen. Charles Schumer (D.N.Y) proposed new legislation that will hopefully prevent a tragedy like Avonte’s from happening again.
The new law, dubbed “Avonte” after the 14-year-old autistic boy who disappeared in New York City in October and was found dead three months later, would fund voluntary tracking devices for children who have autism.
Schumer, who proposed the legislation standing next to Avonte’s grandmother, said the measure would be similar to a federal program that tracks seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease. The $10 million in funds would go to police departments, which would hand out the devices to parents who request them.
“It will help put parents at ease, save precious lives,” Schumer told reporters, including 1010 WINS’ Glenn Schuck. “Avonte’s Law will allow his memory to live on while helping to prevent more children with autism from going missing.
“The technology will allow parents of all children with autism, no matter how much or how little money they have, to enjoy the benefits of a high-tech solution to an age-old problem.”
Avonte’s family, still grieving, wasn’t ready to speak with reporters on Sunday, but family lawyer David Perecman said the tracking system would be a tribute to Avonte’s life.
“The goal today, because we can’t go back in time, is to make sure … never again,” Perecman said. “And this will help.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Avonte’s family.
SOURCE: CBS | PHOTO CREDIT: Handout
