Allows school resource officers to be hired with salary aidable to the school district; raises retirement salaries for such officers to fifty thousand dollars.
Summary
Bill A06605 amends the education law to allow school districts in New York to hire school resource officers (SROs) with salary costs that are eligible for state aid. The bill defines school resource officers broadly to include retired police officers and other security personnel tasked with enhancing safety on school grounds. Additionally, it modifies the retirement and social security law to raise the annual earnings limit for retired police officers serving as SROs to $50,000 starting in 2026, thereby enabling more retired officers to take on these roles without losing their retirement benefits.
Impact
The passage of this bill would significantly impact the hiring practices of school districts across New York by providing financial incentives for employing school resource officers. By allowing these salaries to be aidable, the bill aims to alleviate budgetary constraints faced by schools, potentially leading to an increase in the number of SROs in schools. This could enhance security measures in educational institutions, aligning with broader public safety initiatives.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A06605 appears to be generally supportive among proponents who emphasize the importance of safety in schools, especially in light of rising concerns about school violence. However, there may be some apprehension from critics who question the implications of increasing police presence in educational settings and the potential impact on student experiences.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns regarding the appropriateness of having law enforcement in schools and the potential for negative interactions between students and officers. Critics argue that increased policing could lead to criminalization of student behavior, while supporters assert that SROs can provide necessary safety and security. The debate seems to be split along lines of educational philosophy and public safety priorities.
Same As
Allows school resource officers to be hired with salary aidable to the school district; raises retirement salaries for such officers to fifty thousand dollars.
Allows school resource officers to be hired with salary aidable to the school district; raises retirement salaries for such officers to fifty thousand dollars.
Establishes the New York state school resource officer program; provides for grants for school resource officers (Part A); relates to peace officers who are retired police officers employed by a school district as a school resource officer (Part B); allows retired police officers to be employed by a school district as a school safety officer, school security officer or any other substantially similar position for an annual salary of $50,000 or less to continue to receive their full retirement benefit (Part C).
Establishes the New York state school resource officer program; provides for grants for school resource officers (Part A); relates to peace officers who are retired police officers employed by a school district as a school resource officer (Part B); allows retired police officers to be employed by a school district as a school safety officer, school security officer or any other substantially similar position for an annual salary of $50,000 or less to continue to receive their full retirement benefit (Part C).
Creates the New York state school resource officer program for school districts outside of New York City; requires retired police officers be certified by the department of education to become school resource officers; allows retired police officers employed as school resource officers to carry a firearm on school grounds given an appropriate license; relates to the earnings limitations for retired police officers employed as a school resource officer.