Bill > S05025

This bill updates New York state education law to enhance student protections, suicide prevention, and digital citizenship, with a particular focus on LGBTQ students and addressing harassment, bullying, and discrimination. The bill expands definitions of harassment, bullying, and coercive control to include electronic communications and broader forms of harmful behavior, and requires schools to develop comprehensive policies addressing these issues. It mandates that school districts create suicide prevention strategies specifically targeting high-risk groups, including LGBTQ students, and requires school personnel to undergo training on recognizing suicide risks and intervention techniques. The bill also introduces new requirements for media literacy education, requiring teachers and library media specialists to receive professional development in digital citizenship and online safety. Additionally, the legislation requires school districts to review and update their policies every five years, develop partnerships with community organizations for mental health support, and create protocols for responding to crisis situations. The bill aims to provide a more supportive, inclusive, and safe educational environment by addressing complex social and emotional challenges students face, with a strong emphasis on preventing harm and promoting student well-being.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5025