BILL NUMBER: S3036A
SPONSOR: BROUK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law and the social services law, in
relation to the practice of a licensed school psychology practitioner
 
PURPOSE:
This bill provides for licensure of school psychology practitioners and
defines the educational and experiential qualifications necessary for
licensure and continued practice.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: Section one provides the legislative
intent.
Section two amends the education law by adding a new Article 166-A.
Section three amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 3 of section 6507 of
the education law, to include licensed school psychology practitioners
in requirement of licensed professionals having mandatory training in
the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment.
Section four amends section 7602 of the education law to include school
psychology practitioners within the state board of psychology.
Section five amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 413 of the
social services law to include school psychology practitioners as manda-
tory reporters.
Section six amends paragraph a of subdivision 1 of section 6503-a of the
education law. Section seven contains a severability clause.
Section eight sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The ever-growing social and emotional needs of students have only been
intensified in recent years. We must ensure services are available for
students and their parents to seek the help they need by allowing
licensed school psychology practitioners to assist children outside of a
traditional setting. Increasing the number of trained individuals who
are able to assist students outside of an educational setting will be a
positive to the children, parents, school, and society.
School psychologists are trained and educated in the psychology of
learning, motivation and human development in order to address the many
factors influencing the performance of students. These factors may
include school diversity, school climate and home/school/community
collaboration. By addressing the needs of students through prevention
services, assessments and/or counseling, licensed school psychology
practitioners can contribute to the future success of students. It is
important that licensed school psychology practitioners are held to
specific standards and requirements that will ensure competent services
for school children and their families. This bill is necessary to
provide schools with a framework in which they can be assured they are
employing licensed school psychology practitioners.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: Passed Senate. Referred to Higher Education.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Positive to the state as it will generate license fees.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 12 months after it shall have become law.

Statutes affected:
S3036: 6507 education law, 6507(3) education law, 7602 education law
S3036A: 6507 education law, 6507(3) education law, 7602 education law