Senator Bonacic Supports Comprehensive Package to Improve Security and Keep Students Safe

(Albany, NY)-State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) voted in favor of a package of critical school safety measures yesterday that would strengthen security and help keep students safe. The bills increase the ability of schools to hire qualified security personnel; create new state funding mechanisms for infrastructure investments that improve school safety; increase access to school-based mental health services; expand state actions and intelligence coordination to protect schools against attack; and strengthen penalties for crimes on school grounds. 

“As legislators, it is our duty to make sure that our students and teachers are safe when they go to school, “said Senator Bonacic. “The Senate has acted decisively today to enhance safety measures, and provide students, parents, teachers and staff peace of mind during the school day.”

The legislation passed yesterday includes:

• Create a School Resource Officers Education Aid Program and Grant Availability S7811A and S7810A;
• Police Officers in New York City Schools S6798A;
• Peace Officer Status for School Resource Officers S1144A;
• Adjusting the Earning Limitations for School Resource Officers S7791;
• Security Hardware Aid Program S7790;
• Improve the Smart School Bond Act Allocation Process S7846;
• Guardians for Schools License Plate S7847;
• Create a New Mental Health Services Coordinator Aid Program and Grants S7805;
• Assess and Improve Mental Health Resources in Schools S7838;
• Define School Shootings as Terrorism and Improve Intelligence to Prevent Attacks S7813A;
• Increase Active Shooter Drills S7845;
• Upgrade School Safety Improvement Teams S7832;
• Protect School Communities From Violent Threats S2521; and
• Prevent School Assaults and Abductions S2881.

Additional safety measures are also expected to be unveiled next week as part of the conference’s Security Agenda.

The bills will be sent to the Assembly.