Legislation to Enhance Child Abuse Reporting is Signed Into Law

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announced legislation (S.273A/A.5842) he sponsored in the State Senate to include school bus drivers to the list of mandated reporters of suspected child abuse has been signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

Under current law, bus drivers employed at public schools are required to report all allegations of abuse. This new law corrects an inequity in the law by expanding that requirement to bus drivers employed by private schools.

"All children must be protected from abuse and individuals who interact with children in an education setting should be properly trained in how to recognize it, including school bus drivers,” Senator Gallivan said.  “This legislation closes a gap in existing law and will help ensure that acts of child abuse, in any form, are reported to the proper authorities so those responsible for such despicable acts can be held accountable."

The legislation was sponsored in the State Assembly by Assembly Member Catherine Nolan. 

"We are taking an important step in protecting children in all of New York's schools from abuse,” said Assembly Member Nolan.  “This legislation ensures that all students are protected by requiring all school administrators, superintendents, and those who provide transportation services, to report allegations of child abuse. I am proud to have sponsored this bill and will continue to fight for the safe learning environment that our students deserve." 

"The safety and well-being of our children is the top priority of this administration and I'm proud to sign this legislation and help close this loophole in the law," Governor Cuomo said. "In New York, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our young people and with this measure we take one more step toward a safer and stronger New York for all."

-30-