Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) is proud to announce that on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, the “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law” was signed into law by the Governor. Also known as Assembly Bill A.3938-B/S.5568-B, this law will establish a traffic safety memorial sign program to publicly memorialize the victims of fatal vehicle collisions. This legislation is named in honor of Smullen’s late son, Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, who tragically passed away on March 6, 2024, at the age of 14 following a fierce fight in the Pediatric ICU after being hit by a car on Feb. 22, 2024.

“It is very inspiring to see this common-sense, bipartisan proposal become law,” said Smullen. “This law, which honors the life and legacy of my son AJ, will help bring peace to families of victims killed in vehicle collisions and also help keep everyone safe on the road. Each and every memorial sign placed in honor of individuals tragically killed in vehicle collisions will serve as an important reminder to all drivers in New York state: The consequences of impaired, reckless or distracted driving are often deadly.”

Now that the Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law has been signed into law, Smullen says he is eager to see it implemented statewide to protect drivers and pedestrians on the road.

“Advocating for this law has been a passion of mine and my family for the last two years. AJ’s life, and the lives of so many others, were taken too soon. It is a triumph that this bill has been signed into law and can now be implemented to improve traffic safety, reduce collisions and save lives statewide,” concluded Smullen.