Chuck Schumer Introduces 'Avonte's Law' For Autistic Children

N.Y. Senator Chuck Schumer (pictured left of center) has introduced a new law named after Avonte Oquendo (pictured below left), the New York Daily News reports.

The law would assist parents in finding their autistic children who have gone missing.

“Thousands of families face the awful reality each and every day that their child with autism may run away,” Schumer said during a press conference Sunday. “Making voluntary tracking devices available will help put parents at ease, and most importantly, help prevent future tragedies like Avonte’s.”

Watch a news report about the law here:

Oquendo’s remains were found along a shoreline in Queens’ College Point neighborhood January 16th. He was last seen alive as he ran out of Riverview School in Long Island City last October. Reports noted that there were no front desk monitors or security agents at the school’s entrance at the time.

His escape set off a citywide manhunt that included an aggressive NYPD search and multiple subway postings and announcements. Oquendo’s funeral was held a day before the conference at the Church Of St. Joseph.

Schumer first mentioned his plan shortly after Oqueudo disappeared in November. His proposed tracking devices could attach to wristwatches, anklets, be clipped on belt loops or even shoelaces. They would run around $80 to $90.

Though Oquendo’s mother, Vanessa Fontaine (pictured right of Schumer), and grandmother attended the conference, they were reportedly too upset to speak.

“It was just yesterday that they buried their son and grandson,” David Perecman, the family’s lawyer, said.

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