Bill > A06683

This bill prohibits the use of aversive conditioning and other harmful practices in programs, agencies, and facilities that serve vulnerable persons in New York State. Specifically, the bill defines aversive conditioning as any physical stimulus intended to cause pain or discomfort to modify behavior, which can include noxious stimuli, movement limitations, hitting, pinching, electric shock, and other physically painful procedures. The legislation broadly applies to any state-funded, operated, licensed, or approved program and prohibits actions that would cause physical pain, deny basic human needs like sleep, shelter, bedding, or bathroom facilities, or involve punishments that would be illegal if applied to non-vulnerable individuals. The bill also provides protection for students with existing individualized education programs, allowing them to complete their programs under certain conditions while preventing future funding for programs that engage in prohibited practices. Importantly, these restrictions apply regardless of the location of the conduct or the residence of the affected individuals, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to protecting vulnerable populations from potentially abusive treatment. The law will take effect 60 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementation regulations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6683