New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00335

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.

Summary

Bill A00335 amends the New York education law to include specific policies and procedures for responding to students experiencing mental health crises within school safety plans. The bill emphasizes that responses to such crises should not involve contacting law enforcement unless there are implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activities. This change aims to create a more supportive environment for students facing mental health challenges and to reduce the criminalization of mental health issues in schools.

Impact

The bill will modify existing school safety plans by mandating the inclusion of mental health crisis response protocols. This change will affect how schools handle mental health emergencies, potentially leading to a shift in resources towards mental health support rather than law enforcement intervention. It may also require training for school staff on recognizing and responding to mental health crises appropriately.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill A00335 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for mental health awareness and reform in educational settings. There is a recognition of the need for schools to adopt more compassionate approaches to mental health crises, although there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of resources for implementing these new protocols.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from differing opinions on the role of law enforcement in schools. Some stakeholders may argue that excluding law enforcement from mental health crisis responses could compromise safety, while others believe that it is essential to prevent the criminalization of students with mental health issues. The balance between safety and support is likely to be a key area of debate.

Companion Bills

NY S07504

Same As Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.

Previously Filed As

NY S07504

Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.

NY SB1892

Schools; removing language directing certain survey to be included in review of mental health crisis protocols and working agreements. Effective date. Emergency.

NY S05539

Requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.

NY A00785

Requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.

NY A00203

Requires hospitals to establish a violence prevention program which includes a workplace safety and security assessment and develop a safety and security plan that addresses identified workplace violence threats or hazards.

NY S05294

Requires hospitals to establish a violence prevention program which includes a workplace safety and security assessment and develop a safety and security plan that addresses identified workplace violence threats or hazards.

NY A11236

Directs the coordination of policies and services of the traumatic brain injury program with the office for the prevention of domestic violence; includes the executive director of the office for the prevention of domestic violence on the traumatic brain injury services coordinating council.

NY S3997

Amends statute that criminalizes display of symbols, objects, or graffiti exposing another to threats of violence to specifically include noose, burning cross, or other symbol of hate.

NY HB4160

Relating to procedures for medical emergencies in schools; and prescribing an effective date.

NY S09457

Directs the coordination of policies and services of the traumatic brain injury program with the office for the prevention of domestic violence; includes the executive director of the office for the prevention of domestic violence on the traumatic brain injury services coordinating council.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.