Larkin Announces Passage Of "suzanne's Law

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today announced the New York State Senate has passed "Suzanne’s Law" (S.3226) to increase criminal penalties on school grounds.

1 "This week marked the eighth anniversary of the disappearance of University at Albany student Suzanne Lyall of Saratoga County," said Senator Larkin. "Suzanne’s memory and the pain her faimily lives with every day is a somber reminder that we must work even harder to enact laws in New York State that protect young people on school grounds. This bill would strongly punish anyone who threatens the health, safety or security of students and school employees."

"Suzanne’s Law" would increase penalties for crimes committed against others on school grounds. Named for missing University at Albany student Suzanne Lyall, "Suzanne’s Law" elevates by one level the penalty for the commission of a felony crime on school grounds. For instance, the commission of the Class ‘D’ felony of Assault in the 2nd degree would now be considered as a Class ‘C’ felony and would carry a longer prison sentence.

The bill also expands the current definition of "school grounds" to include nursery schools, daycare facilities, trade schools, junior colleges, community colleges, colleges, universities and any other institution of higher education.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.