New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A02618

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Directs the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds.

Impact

If enacted, A02618 would amend the Education Law by introducing structural changes to how school security is managed. The bill emphasizes a proactive approach to safeguarding students and staff by mandating the creation of comprehensive safety standards. This could lead to increased funding requirements for school districts as they comply with new regulations, potentially impacting local budgets and resource allocation. The standards might also require schools to enhance their physical infrastructure, furthering the need for capital improvements and appropriations in local school budgets.

Summary

A02618 is a legislative measure introduced in the New York State Assembly aimed at enhancing the safety and security standards of school grounds. The bill proposes that the commissioner of education, in collaboration with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, establish minimum standards for the security of school buildings and grounds. This initiative is in response to increasing concerns about school safety, particularly following national dialogues around violence and security in educational institutions. The measures would include guidelines for secure building access points and adequate fencing, ensuring that schools are transformed into safer learning environments for all students.

Contention

Discussions surrounding A02618 may be influenced by varying perceptions of security and education priorities among stakeholders. Supporters advocate that enhanced security measures are crucial for protecting students, while critics may argue that increased focus on security could detract from educational priorities or impose undue financial burdens on school districts, which are often already facing budgeting challenges. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding how rigorously these standards would be enforced and whether they might lead to an overly punitive environment within schools, potentially impacting the overall educational experience.

Companion Bills

NY S07929

Same As Directs the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds.

Previously Filed As

NY A03728

Directs the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds.

NY S06291

Directs the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds.

NY A09630

Establishes the New York state school safety and security act; establishes the office of school safety and security to perform assessments of educational facilities for safety and security and provide safety and security training; establishes the school safety and security advisory board to establish school safety and security best practices and resources; imposes a one percent tax on mobile sports wagering to fund such office.

NY S02737

Directs the division of homeland security and emergency services to conduct a review and analysis of security measures at rail yards and to issue related reports and recommendations.

NY A09480

Directs the division of homeland security and emergency services to conduct a review and analysis of security measures at rail yards and to issue related reports and recommendations.

NY S05718

Directs the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services to conduct an after-action review study on the state's COVID-19 pandemic response; directs the commissioner to submit a report on such study after 1 year and make such report publicly available on its website, and share such report with the CDC.

NY A07102

Directs the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services to conduct an after-action review study on the state's COVID-19 pandemic response; directs the commissioner to submit a report on such study after 1 year and make such report publicly available on its website, and share such report with the CDC.

NY S00448

Directs the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services to conduct a review and analysis of the security measures taken at the transportation facilities of the metropolitan transportation authority and its subsidiaries; requires such director to issue confidential reports of his or her findings and recommendations.

NY A06062

Directs the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services to conduct a review and analysis of the security measures taken at the transportation facilities of the metropolitan transportation authority and its subsidiaries; requires such director to issue confidential reports of his or her findings and recommendations.

NY S01502

Directs the division of homeland security and emergency services to develop rules and regulations relating to truck rental security; requires any person or organization in the business of renting trucks, vans or trailers to the public to be registered with the state.

Similar Bills

NY S07929

Directs the commissioner of education, in conjunction with the superintendent of state police and the commissioner of the division of homeland security and emergency services, to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds.

CA AB1545

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CA AB1607

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CA SB1445

Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982.

CA AB579

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CA AB2663

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CA AB602

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CA AB1775

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