New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05373

Introduced
2/13/25  

Caption

Prohibits immigration enforcement in school settings; prohibits all public and charter schools from allowing law enforcement officials inside school property to access a student, except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend both the civil rights law and the education law, reinforcing the privileges of individuals within school settings against immigration enforcement actions. This modification emphasizes that only enforceable judicial warrants can support such actions on school grounds. Furthermore, it mandates that school personnel refrain from disclosing any student records that contain immigration status or related information, thereby safeguarding students and families from potential legal repercussions based on their immigration status.

Summary

Bill A05373, titled the 'Protect Our Schools Act', seeks to prohibit immigration enforcement activities within public and charter schools in New York. The primary goal of the legislation is to create a safe learning environment where students, faculty, and staff can participate in school activities without the fear of being subjected to immigration enforcement actions. It specifically restricts access to school property by law enforcement officials in contexts related to immigration enforcement, allowing their presence only in situations deemed an imminent safety concern or when accompanied by a valid court order or judicial warrant.

Contention

The potential impacts of A05373 have sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and community members. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for protecting vulnerable students who may otherwise refrain from attending school out of fear of apprehension. Conversely, opponents express concern that it could obstruct law enforcement's ability to ensure safety and security, suggesting that the bill might create a barrier to necessary oversight in schools. The discussion reflects broader national conversations about immigration policy, student rights, and the role of local law enforcement.

Companion Bills

NY S04735

Same As Prohibits immigration enforcement in school settings; prohibits all public and charter schools from allowing law enforcement officials inside school property to access a student, except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

Previously Filed As

NY S02710

Prohibits the release of a consumer's electrical or gas consumption data to any police officer, or private, local, state or federal law enforcement entity without a judicial court-ordered subpoena, warrant or the consumer's written consent.

NY A06966

Prohibits the release of a consumer's electrical or gas consumption data to any police officer, or private, local, state or federal law enforcement entity without a judicial court-ordered subpoena, warrant or the consumer's written consent.

NY S09810

Prohibits students from accessing their wireless communications devices on school property, unless authorized for classroom use; prohibits students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed to for class instruction.

NY S05461

Prohibits the city school district from reimbursing charter schools for leasing a privately owned or other publicly owned facility, and prohibits charter school employee contracts from including a non-disclosure agreement.

NY A05763

Prohibits the city school district from reimbursing charter schools for leasing a privately owned or other publicly owned facility, and prohibits charter school employee contracts from including a non-disclosure agreement.

NY S06005

Prohibits law enforcement officers and peace officers from inquiring about the immigration status of a victim of or witness to a criminal offense.

NY A06882

Prohibits any cannabis related advertisements in establishments within a certain distance from schools; increases penalties for prohibited advertisement of tobacco and cannabis products; requires enforcement inspections.

NY S07174

Prohibits any cannabis related advertisements in establishments within a certain distance from schools; increases penalties for prohibited advertisement of tobacco and cannabis products; requires enforcement inspections.

NY S04920

Relates to temporary release eligibility for judicially ordered comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse treatment.

NY A08033

Prohibits the governor from preventing or inhibiting state agency cooperation with the federal government for the purposes of immigration enforcement; prohibits state agencies from preventing or inhibiting collaboration with federal agencies for the purposes of federal immigration enforcement.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.