Bill > S07170

This bill establishes a comprehensive gun violence prevention program for students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, developed by the New York State Department of Education in collaboration with various state agencies and educational organizations. Recognizing that gunshot injuries are a significant cause of premature death among children and adolescents, the bill aims to create an educational program that helps young people develop skills to manage conflicts, peer pressure, and potentially dangerous situations non-violently. The program will include practical skills, self-reflection opportunities, role-playing exercises, goal-setting, and leadership development, while also encouraging parental and community involvement. Schools will have the option to implement the program using materials provided by the department, and the bill requires a detailed report to the governor and legislature by July 1, 2028, assessing the program's effectiveness in reducing gunshot injuries and offering recommendations for future iterations. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that the program does not oppose responsible gun ownership or the supervised use of guns for hunting or sport, but instead focuses on prevention and conflict resolution skills. The act will take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7170