What's happening
This bill requires nonpublic schools to follow minimum standards for handling mild traumatic brain injuries, not just public schools.
Why it matters
Ensures uniform safety standards. By requiring nonpublic schools to follow the same concussion and mild traumatic brain injury protocols as public schools, the bill aims to provide a consistent level of protection for all students, regardless of the type of school they attend.
Closes a regulatory gap. Previously, nonpublic schools could choose whether or not to adopt these safety rules, potentially leaving some students less protected. The bill removes this discretion, making safety standards mandatory.
Potentially increases administrative requirements. Nonpublic schools may need to update their policies, train staff, and allocate resources to comply with these standards, which could have operational and financial implications.
Allows for stricter local policies. While setting a minimum bar, the bill still permits both public and nonpublic schools to adopt even more rigorous safety measures if they choose, encouraging continual improvement in student health protections.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Protect Kids from Head Injuries
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1991
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 18, 2019
Introduced by Sens. RANZENHOFER, GALLIVAN -- 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 minimum standards for nonpublic schools relating to mild traumatic brain injuries
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph b of subdivision 42 of section 305 of the education law, as added by chapter 496 of the laws of 2011, is amended to read as follows:
b. The rules and regulations established pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to be the minimum standards that must be complied with by every public and nonpublic school relating to mild traumatic brain injuries. [Such rules and regulations may also be implemented by nonpublic schools if they so authorize.] Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit any public school or nonpublic school from adopting and implementing more stringent standards.
§ 2. This act shall take effect the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01729-01-9
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 minimum standards for nonpublic schools relating to mild traumatic brain injuries
Purpose or general idea of bill
To expand the current regulations concerning protocols for concussions suffered by public school students to nonpublic school students.
Summary of specific provisions
Section One - amends paragraph b of subdivision 42 of section 305 of the Education Law to provide that the rules and regulations established regarding concussions are deemed the minimum standards for both public and nonpublic schools.
Section Two - Effective date.
Justification
There is growing recognition of the potential for long term consequences from concussion injuries. Unfortunately, concussions are a part of school sports, particularly in contact sports such as football, but also in other sports as well. Minimum standards for response and treatment of concussions have been enacted for public school students, but at the present time these standards are only optional for nonpublic school students. Considering the potential for concussion injuries to have lifetime negative effects, it is time to extend these minimum standards to protect nonpublic students as well. Many nonpublic schools already follow protocols that meet or exceed state standards, but we must ensure that all students have this protection.
Prior legislative history
2015-16 - S.6319/A.9742 - EDUCATION/Education 2017- S.4279 - RULES 2018- S.4279/A.10536 - LOST/Ways & Means
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect the 1st of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.