New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) has announced that A.6731-C, better known as “Shannon’s Law,” has once again passed the full Assembly.

“I am thankful to my Assembly colleagues for once again passing this critical, life-saving bill,” said Jean-Pierre. “The fight against breast cancer begins at detection, but for far too many women, detection comes too late. That’s why I authored this legislation to help more women get diagnosed and seek treatment sooner.”

Currently, insurance companies are required to cover annual mammogram screenings for women over the age of 40. However, 1 in every 227 women in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer between the ages of 30 and 40.1 If signed into law, Shannon’s Law would require insurance companies to cover annual mammogram screenings for women starting at age 35.

The bill honors Shannon Saturno, a Babylon teacher who was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant and tragically passed away at the age of 31. Shannon’s Law has long been championed by First Company Pink, a Long Island-based nonprofit dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer awareness and prevention. Shannon Saturno was an active member of the organization up until her passing.

“Shannon’s death was an unfortunate wake-up call and reminder that early detection is absolutely critical in winning the fight against breast cancer. We need to do all we can to ensure that more women are able to get tested and diagnosed earlier so that they have a better chance at beating this vicious disease.”

The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Insurance, and will need to be passed by the New York State Senate before it is delivered to the Governor.

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1. cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-fact-sheet