Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.
This bill requires every New York City public school to have at least one certified assistant principal. It specifies that assistant principals must oversee school safety and operations when the principal is absent and may be required to attend training to address educational needs or improve school performance. The law directly affects NYC schools, administrators, and staff by establishing minimum staffing standards for school safety and management. The bill aims to ensure consistent supervision and support across all schools in the city school district.
Prohibits certain sex offenders from residing within 1,350 feet of school grounds, except that in cities having a population of one million or more, no such sex offender may reside within 500 feet of school grounds; establishes a violation thereof shall be a class C felony.
Requires training for teachers and administrators in the area of mental health response; requires office of mental health to assist in development of curriculum for training.
Relates to the provision of grants to eligible school districts to cover the costs of school resource officers employed at schools in such districts; authorizes boards of cooperative educational services to enter into contracts with local police entities to provide school resource officers.
Allows for unlicensed personnel to administer certain seizure rescue medication in schools, on school grounds and at school events; provides that such medicine may be left with a school health official to be used as needed.
Requires all school employees complete student mental wellness training on identifying signs and symptoms of mental health issues, eating disorders, behavioral health disorders, and substance use disorders, the use of evidence-based training programs including, but not limited to, mental health first aid or core elements of such programs to the extent practicable, and safe de-escalation of crisis situations.
Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by employees or students on private, religious or denominational school property or at a school function; provides immunity from civil liability for a person making a good faith report of discrimination, harassment or bullying to authorities.
Provides for a gun violence prevention program in the public schools; provides that the program is to be developed by the department of education in conjunction with other state agencies and educational organizations and is to be made available to schools for use in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade; provides for a report to the governor and the legislature on the program; enacts the "gun violence prevention act".
Provides that where a pupil may be considered a dangerous threat to themself or others, such pupil may be suspended for no more than ten days prior to a hearing taking place to allow the school to have adequate time to make an evaluation on the pupil's mental health, which may include a psychiatric evaluation, and the risk of danger to others and to consult with law enforcement.
