What's happening
This bill requires that public schools in New York State close to students on any primary election day if used as polling sites.
Why it matters
Addresses student safety concerns. by ensuring that students are not present in school buildings while they are open to the public for primary elections, potentially reducing risks associated with increased foot traffic and unknown visitors.
May impact school calendars and childcare needs. , as schools serving as polling sites would need to close for students on primary election days, potentially requiring changes to academic schedules or the addition of make-up days.
Could improve access and logistics for voters. by allowing election officials full use of school facilities without the need to coordinate around student activities, potentially making polling places more accessible and less disruptive.
Highlights the intersection of civic engagement and education infrastructure. , raising broader questions about how public spaces serve multiple community functions and the balancing of these priorities.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Close Schools on Primary Days
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to election law
- Referred to election law
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.
No School on Election Days
In Senate Committee · Elections · Sponsor Tony Avella
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3831
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. DenDEKKER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to providing that public schools within New York state are not open for regular classes with their students on any primary election day
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 8-100 of the election law is amended by adding a new subdivision 5 to read as follows:
5. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, on any day on which a primary election is conducted pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subdivision one of this section, and such election is held in a public school, such school shall not conduct any classes or other activities within its buildings which require the presence of the students enrolled therein.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00586-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.