Hochul signs law requiring silent alarms at large retailers in NY

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a new law Thursday that requires large retailers to add silent alarms in stores across the state in an effort to boost safety protections for workers.

“Retail workers are on the front lines every day, keeping our economy moving and supporting their communities,” Hochul said in a statement. “From increasing penalties for assaulting a retail worker to signing the Retail Worker Safety Act, I’m committed to keeping our frontline workers safe.”

The requirement to add the alarms in retail stores is the first of its kind in the U.S.

An earlier draft of the bill described the alarms as “panic buttons,” but the finalized text of the bill removed that language and calls them silent alarms.

Unions representing retail workers pushed for the law, the New York Retail Worker Safety Act, after several shootings took place in the state and retailers reported rising concerns over crime, Reuters reported.

Some retailers have expressed concerns about adding the alarms. Walmart argued there would be false alarms, the outlet reported.

The law will go into effect in 180 days. Along with the alarms, retailers with 10 or more employees will have to “develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence.” Employers will also have to provide training on programs aimed at preventing violence.

Nearly a year ago, Target announced it was closing its New York Harlem location, and several others across the country, because of theft and crime.

This story was updated at 4:01 p.m.