Bill > S07504

This bill amends the New York State education law to require school districts to include specific policies and procedures in their school safety plans for responding to students experiencing mental health crises. The bill mandates that these procedures prioritize addressing mental health emergencies without automatically involving law enforcement. Specifically, schools must develop protocols that only contact law enforcement if a student presents implied or direct threats of violence or is engaged in potential criminal activity. This approach aims to provide more compassionate and supportive responses to student mental health challenges, recognizing that many mental health episodes do not require a law enforcement intervention. By requiring these policies to be part of each school district's safety plan, the bill seeks to ensure a more standardized and sensitive approach to supporting students during mental health emergencies, potentially reducing stigma and providing more appropriate, student-centered care. The amendment will become effective immediately upon passage.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7504