Amends provisions regarding prescriptions for and supervision over student housing and safety by councils of SUNY state-operated institutions

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruben Diaz

BILL NUMBER:S1849

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the powers and duties regarding student housing and safety of councils of state-operated institutions

Summary of provisions

This bill amends paragraph h of subdivision 3 of section 356 of the education law. It adds to the powers of SUNY campus councils and makes them responsible for specific campus safety issues. The areas of responsibility include training, support services, victims assistance, prevention programs, and orientation and educational materials.

Justification

The Senate Democratic Task Force on Women's Issues held hearings in Rochester, Buffalo, and Westchester on the Issue of crimes against women on college campuses. One of the major conclusions from the hearings was that victims assistance services and counseling needed improvement. The Task Force has found that there is a great need for more sensitivity by college staff and administrators in dealing with victims of sexual assault. Testimony from these hearings has revealed that counseling services for victims of sexual assault were lacking in terms of the quality of response. This bill more specifically defines the responsibility for councils to develop programs and services in these areas.

Legislative history

S.3982 (2009-10), Referred to Higher Education Committee

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.