New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01611

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  

Caption

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

Summary

Bill S01611 amends the New York Penal Law to define harassment in the first degree specifically concerning school employees. It establishes that a person is guilty of this offense if they strike, shove, kick, or otherwise subject a school employee to physical contact while the employee is performing their duties. The bill aims to enhance protections for school employees against physical harassment, categorizing such actions as a class B misdemeanor.

Impact

The bill's passage would amend existing state laws to include specific provisions for the harassment of school employees, thereby increasing legal protections for this group. It introduces a clear definition of 'school employee' and outlines specific actions that constitute harassment, which may lead to increased reporting and prosecution of such offenses. This change could also influence school district policies regarding employee safety and harassment training.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S01611 appears to be supportive, particularly among those advocating for the safety of school employees. Discussions may reflect a growing concern over violence in schools and the need for legal measures to protect educators. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implications for student discipline and the potential for overreach in defining harassment.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the balance between protecting school employees and ensuring that students' rights are not infringed upon. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to excessive punishment for minor infractions or misunderstandings, while supporters emphasize the necessity of safeguarding school staff from physical harm. Stakeholders such as educators, parents, and legal experts may have differing views on the bill's implications.

Companion Bills

NY A07436

Same As Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

Previously Filed As

NY A07436

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when such person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of such person's duties as a school employee.

NY A02007

Provides that a person is guilty of harassment in the first degree, a class B misdemeanor, when he or she strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects a school employee to physical contact or attempts or threatens to do the same while such school employee is engaged in the performance of his or her duties as a school employee.

NY HB3991

Relating to misconduct by public school employees and to persons who must be listed in the registry of persons not eligible for employment in public schools.

NY A03282

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

NY S06045

Establishes a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person intends to cause physical injury to an employee of New York state or any of its political subdivisions or of a public authority or a public benefit corporation while such employee is performing such employee's duties.

NY A08132

Defines temporary total disability as the injured employee's inability to perform such employee's pre-injury employment duties or any modified employment offered by the employer that is consistent with such employee's disability.

NY H7768

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

NY S3200

Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or employee, to commit any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice; individuals would be held personally liable for such conduct.

NY A11053

Provides that a person is guilty of assault in the second degree when such person recklessly or with intent to cause physical injury to another person causes physical injury to another person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit; provides that a person is guilty of assault in the first degree when with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person such person causes such injury to such other person in any place, conveyance, or vehicle used for public transportation or public transit.

NY S0127

Requires the employers of unionized public school teachers, municipal employees and state employees, to provide the union, at least once every 120 days, a list of all their employees in their union, as well as their personal and demographic information.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.