What's happening
This bill requires every public school in New York to employ at least one licensed social worker, separate from special education mandates.
Why it matters
Expands mental health and social-emotional support. to all students by requiring a licensed social worker in every public school, not just those with special education needs, potentially improving school climate and student well-being.
Recognizes the unique role of social workers. distinct from psychologists or guidance counselors—by mandating their presence for general student populations, which can help address issues like bullying, family crises, trauma, and behavioral challenges.
May require new funding and staffing commitments. from school districts, especially those that currently lack social workers, impacting budgets and potentially increasing demand for licensed social workers statewide.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Social Worker in Schools
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to 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.
Require Social Workers in Schools
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Felix Ortiz
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2464
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 13, 2017
Introduced by Sen. HAMILTON -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a licensed social worker in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 803-b to read as follows:
§ 803-b. Social workers licensed under article one hundred fifty-four of this chapter required in elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high schools. The board of education or trustees of every school district in the state shall on and after July first, two thousand seventeen employ at least one licensed social worker in each of the schools under their jurisdiction exclusive of any social workers funded or mandated through any special education funding, aid, regulation or statute. Such licensed social worker shall perform such duties within their lawful scope of practice.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00682-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a licensed social worker in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school
Purpose or general idea of bill
To insure that all elementary, intermediate, middle, junior and senior high schools throughout New York State have an effective social work program in place to meet the needs of their students.
Summary of specific provisions
The education law is amended by adding a new section 803-b, to require the board of trustees of every school district to employ at least one licensed social worker in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school under their jurisdiction. This employment shall be exclusive of any social workers funded or mandated through any special education funding, aid, regulation or statute.
Justification
The role and function of a school social worker and the role and function of other pupil personnel services are distinctly separate. In addition to possessing certification through the Office of Teaching Initiatives, school social workers are licensed by the New York State Board of Regents with a scope of practice legally protected under Article 154 of the New York State Education Law.
School social workers are at the forefront of school social, behavioral, and community issues. The skills and competencies of school social workers enable schools to carry out their primary functions of educating all pupils more effectively. Reducing or eliminating the presence of social workers in our schools would have a devastating effect on our students. Given the current economic crisis and the resulting impact on families and children, stress and worry has risen sharply due to loss of income, rising debt, unemployment, underemployment, loss of insurance, housing instability, hunger, and many other factors.
These factors are known to contribute to increased incidence of mental illness, substance abuse, suicide, violence, crime, and, in an academic environment, may be attributed to increased absence and risk of school failure. School social workers are qualified to address these factors. By applying appropriate intervention strategies, school social workers are able to alleviate some of these issues and support academic success. Every student in New York deserves equal access to services and every school in New York should provide the important services social workers can provide.
Prior legislative history
S. 7101 of the 2015-16 Legislative Session
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Exact Costs Unknown, but there will be a cost to local school districts
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.