New York Senate Bill S02498

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25
• Engrossed: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/6/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Engrossed: 5/6/26
• Refer: 5/6/26

Caption

Decreases the frequency of lock-down drills in schools; directs that such drills shall be implemented with a trauma-informed approach; permits parents to opt their children out of such drills.

Summary

S02498 would amend New York Education Law section 807 to reduce the number of required school safety drills from 12 to 10 per school year and cut required lock-down drills from four to two. It also changes the timing requirement so that six of the ten drills must occur between September 1 and December 31, while preserving the existing requirements for evacuation drills, drills using secondary means of egress, overnight drills in schools with sleeping accommodations, and summer school drills. The bill further requires school districts and other school governing bodies to adopt a building-level emergency response plan for lock-down drills that uses a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approach. That plan must give parents and guardians at least seven days' notice before a lock-down drill, prohibit props, actors, or simulated violence intended to mimic an emergency, require an announcement when the drill is taking place, and provide individualized accommodations for students who need extra support. It also directs annual school safety staff training to include guidance on conducting drills in different classroom settings and on what information should be communicated before, during, and after the drill, and it requires advance notice to teachers, administrators, and other personnel about the drill and its expected duration.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly amend section 807 of the Education Law and change statewide school safety drill requirements for public and private schools other than colleges and universities. It would lower the minimum number of annual drills and the number of mandatory lock-down drills, while adding procedural safeguards and planning requirements for how lock-down drills are designed and communicated. School districts, principals, teachers, and school safety personnel would need to revise emergency response plans, parent notification practices, staff training, and drill procedures to comply with the new standards.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill has had meaningful support but also notable opposition. It passed the Senate Education Committee and the Senate floor in both listed sessions, indicating enough backing to advance, but the floor votes were not unanimous and show a substantial minority in opposition. The bill’s framing as a trauma-informed reform suggests support from lawmakers concerned about student anxiety and the psychological effects of drills, while the recorded nays indicate continued concern from some members about reducing drill frequency or changing established school safety practices.

Contention

The main points of contention are likely the reduction in the number of required lock-down drills and the requirement that parents receive advance notice, which some may view as weakening preparedness or making drills less realistic. Opponents may also object to prohibiting props, actors, and simulated violence, arguing that schools need flexibility to prepare students and staff for emergencies. Supporters, by contrast, appear focused on minimizing trauma, making drills age-appropriate, and ensuring students with special needs receive accommodations. The bill’s balance between safety preparedness and student well-being is the central policy dispute.