'Tommy's Law,' Bill to Assist Train Victims, Advances In Assembly

RAMSEY, NJ — A law named in memory of a man who was killed crossing train tracks in the borough advanced in the state Assembly recently.

The state Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee voted 12-0 to advance the bill, named "Tommy's Law." The legislation would provide crisis counseling for victims killed in train and bus accidents.

Tommy Ryan was killed in June 2016 after he walked under the gate and crossed over the tracks while a train was traveling toward the Main Street station, authorities said.

The legislation would create crisis counselor position within NJ Transit. The person would provide victims and their families with support and counseling following unexpected train, light rail, and bus accidents and crashes.

That support may include support groups, family crisis intervention, and professional referrals.

The state Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved a Senate version of the bill May 21.

Related: New Jersey Train Strikes and Kills Person In Bergen County

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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