Education (School Safety)

passed both · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8630: Enacts the "freedom to read act"

Requires each board of education to adopt a written policy for reconsideration of school library materials and make such policy available on its website; requires such policies to include provisions for the creation of a reconsideration committee to review complaints regarding school library materials; requires the commissioner of education to develop one or more model policies for school districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires school boards to adopt policies for reconsidering library materials after complaints, protecting access to diverse educational resources per 'freedom to read' intent.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Libraries School Safety

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9290: Requires silent alarms to be installed in all school classrooms

This bill requires all public and nonpublic schools in New York State to install silent alarm systems in every classroom. The systems must include a button teachers can press to alert local law enforcement and school administrators during emergencies, without producing any audible sound. It defines "silent alarm" specifically as a security system that triggers silent alerts to authorities. The mandate applies to all school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools, with installations required in locations easily accessible to teachers. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates silent alarm systems in all school classrooms to enhance emergency response safety infrastructure, directly supporting school protection within education policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 233: Relates to establishing a task force on safety in school transportation

This bill creates a 18-member task force to review and improve safety in school transportation. The task force, appointed by state leaders and including education stakeholders, school bus drivers, and agency heads, will study existing safety laws, bus stop practices, pedestrian safety, and protocols for drivers (including substitutes). It must issue recommendations within 18 months on measures like retrofitting buses, using sensor technology, and curbing illegal passing of school buses. The bill does not implement new safety rules but establishes a review process to inform future policy. (Procedural bill; expires 24 months after enactment.)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates task force to improve school transportation safety through technology and protocols, directly enhancing K-12 school infrastructure and student safety.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates task force to improve school bus safety standards via recommendations on retrofitting, sensors, and illegal passing protocols, directly enhancing transportation safety protocols.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5523: Relates to the placement of school crossing guards

Relates to the placement of school crossing guards; requires school crossing guards to be placed on each of the corners of streets adjacent to public and private schools in New York City serving students in grades K-8 and on each side of streets with more than four lanes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires crossing guards at NYC K-8 schools, enhancing safety infrastructure for student access to education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6960: Establishes the commission on public safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health

S 6960 creates a new state commission to coordinate public safety, emergency response, and mental health efforts. The commission, composed of agency heads (including police, emergency services, education, health, and mental health officials), must meet quarterly to work with three divisions focused on school safety, emergency preparedness, and mental health services. Key provisions require the commission to provide schools with safety resources and mental health support, improve community disaster response, reduce mental health stigma, and hold public hearings twice yearly. The commission must report annually to the governor and legislature. This bill establishes new coordination structures for state agencies but does not directly change laws affecting residents.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates commission to provide schools with safety resources and mental health support, directly advancing school safety and student well-being within education context.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes commission with mental health services as a core division, requiring schools to receive mental health support and improving community mental health resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Mental Health Tags Public Safety

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3566: Requires a school bus attendant or school bus monitor on all school buses

Requires a school bus attendant or school bus monitor on all school buses transporting students in kindergarten through sixth grade to or from school or to or from any school related activity.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires safety personnel for K-6 students during school transportation, enhancing student protection in educational settings per topic description.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates school bus attendants for K-6 safety, enhancing transportation safety standards per bill's explicit requirement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Public Transit

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2307: Relates to a school resource officer program

Relates to creating a school resource officer program to permit the employment of retired law enforcement officers and provide grants to school districts and non-public schools for such purpose.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides grants to fund school resource officer programs using retired law enforcement, directly supporting law enforcement presence in schools within criminal justice framework.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants to school districts for employing school resource officers, directly funding school safety programs within educational institutions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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signed · New York · Senate Oct 23, 2025

S 4544: Enacts the "Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act"

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by other students on school property or at a school function; requires schools to investigate reports of bullying; requires schools to adopt a written, plain-language anti-bullying and harassment policy; requires school employees to report incidents of bullying or harassment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires schools to adopt anti-bullying policies, investigate incidents, and protect students - directly strengthening school safety and environment under education policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8339: Requires the state education department to develop a model mental health training program to serve as the mental health component of required school safety trainings

Requires the state education department to develop a model mental health training program to serve as the mental health component of required school safety trainings as part of comprehensive district-wide safety plans developed by each district-wide school safety team.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mental health training in school safety programs, enhancing student well-being and support services as part of required district safety plans.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health training integration into school safety programs, directly advancing mental health services in educational settings per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2618: Directs the commissioner of education to establish standards for the security and safety of school grounds

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates security standards for school grounds, enhancing safety and protection within educational environments per its direct focus on school safety as a protective measure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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