What's happening
This bill requires that public schools in New York State close for regular classes on any primary election day.
Why it matters
Prioritizes student safety by minimizing the number of people in school buildings during primary elections. , reducing potential risks associated with large crowds and public access.
May require families to make alternative childcare arrangements. , as students will have additional days off beyond traditional holidays, potentially impacting parents’ work schedules.
Facilitates smoother access and logistics for voters and election officials. , as the absence of regular school activities could make polling sites in schools more accessible and less disruptive.
Could impact school calendars and instructional time. , requiring districts to adjust schedules or add makeup days to meet minimum education requirements.
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Who cares
Headline styles
No School on Election Days
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to elections
- Referred to elections
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.
Close Schools on Primary Days
In Assembly Committee · Election Law · Sponsor Michael DenDekker
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1541
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 10, 2017
Introduced by Sen. AVELLA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections
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.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
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
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of the bill is to allow primary elections in New York state public schools without the presence of students enrolled therein.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of the bill amends Section 8-100 of the election law by adding a new subdivision 5 stating that New York state public schools shall not conduct any classes or other activities within its buildings which require the presence of students if the school is conducting a primary election pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of subdivision one of this section.
Section 2 sets an immediate effective date.
Justification
New York state public schools should be closed on primary election days, just as they are on general election days, in order to maintain student safety.
Prior legislative history
2015-16: S.886-A/A.4241-A (DenDekker) 2013-14: S.679/A.3451 (DenDekker) 2011-12: S.4218/A.02058 (DenDekker) 2009-10: A.11050 (DenDekker)
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None.
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.