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- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Requires SUNY or CUNY students enrolled in undergraduate psychology program to complete 12 hours volunteer service
In Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor William Colton
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring students enrolled in the undergraduate psychology program within the SUNY and CUNY systems to complete 12 hours of documented volunteer service with certain places or programs
Purpose or general idea of bill
To expand the number of available volunteers at suicide prevention hotlines and/or centers; domestic abuse hotlines and/or centers; eating disorder hotlines and/or centers; expressive therapy counseling center; or any call centers or counseling centers with programs that specifically pertain to issues such as abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem and weight disorders.
Summary of specific provisions
* The education law is amended by adding new section 355-d. This section requires all psychology undergraduate students attending a SUNY school must complete twelve hours of volunteer service at a counseling center which meets the approval of their assigned psychology faculty member. The section also requires that the designated faculty member track and document a student's completed hours of volunteer service, and ensure that the student meets program standards.
* The bill also amends the education law by adding a new section 6235, which requires CUNY psychology undergraduate students to fulfill the same requirements that have been stated for SUNY psychology undergraduates.
Justification
New York State has an obligation to promote volunteerism and all the benefits it can do for an individual's community and for their prospective occupational aspirations. Hotlines are a vital resource in helping New York State residents in time of need. These hotlines offer assistance to people that are dealing with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, weight disorders, and a multitude of other problems. In some instances just knowing that there is someone to talk to and maybe even relate to, can be therapeutic and help an individual. Having young adults talk to other young adults about the common problems they are facing can be regarding for both parties.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None. Current staff and academic advisors will be used to implement the program
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.