Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday signed a 10-bill package of measures meant to boost limousine safety in New York. 

The measures — including bills that are aimed at taking limousines that fail inspection off the road, seatbelt requirements, the creation of a safety task force and drug testing for prospective livery drivers — were sought after a crash in 2018 in Schoharie killed 20 people. 

“Following the deadly limousine crash in Schoharie that claimed the lives of 20 people, the need for updated laws governing stretch limousines was apparent," said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a Democrat who represents the Mohawk Valley region. “That’s why work on this important legislative package has continued here at the State Capitol on behalf of the families that have lost loved ones and for the safety of our communities,” Santabarbara said. “While we see these important bills signed into law to strengthen regulations and improve standards here in New York, I also urge US Congress and Senate leaders to come together and pass similar measures in Washington DC to ensure the safety of passengers in every state.”

Lawmakers had previously approved a separate package of bills in 2019 mostly dealing with insurance requirements. But family members of crash victims said the measures did not go far enough in bolstering stretch limousine safety in the state. 

The legislature last month, with Cuomo's backing, approved the 10-bill package.

“We’ll never forget the lives lost on that terrible day, and it’s imperative we do all that we can to prevent another community from feeling this type of pain and loss,” Santabarbara said. “These changes are long overdue, and I’m glad the governor signed these safety measures into law to help keep New Yorkers out of harm’s way.”