Bill > A02307

This bill establishes a comprehensive School Resource Officer (SRO) program in New York that allows schools to employ retired or active law enforcement officers to enhance school safety. The bill defines a school resource officer broadly to include retired police officers, state troopers, deputy sheriffs, and active-duty law enforcement personnel who can be employed by public or non-public schools to improve safety and security. SROs will have multiple responsibilities beyond security, including proposing safety policies, serving as community liaisons, implementing emergency response strategies, conducting safety drills, providing student mentoring, and assisting with school safety plans. The legislation also creates a grant program to financially support schools in hiring SROs, with grants calculated based on the number of school buildings, student enrollment, and a predetermined aid ratio. Grants will be available starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with a minimum amount of $50,000 per school or school district. The bill further modifies retirement and social security laws to allow retired law enforcement officers to work as SROs while earning additional income, with the specific condition that their employment is limited to the school resource officer role as defined in the legislation. SROs may carry firearms during their duties, subject to existing licensing requirements.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2307