BILL NUMBER: S9147B
SPONSOR: MANNION
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring the depart-
ment of education to develop uniform statewide protocols for diapering
and toileting in public schools
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to require the Commissioner of Education to
establish urLform statewide protocols for the diapering and toileting of
students in public schools.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill would direct the Commissioner of Education to
promulgate rules and regulations to establish uniform statewide proto-
cols for diapering and toileting of students in public schools.
Section 2 of this bill provides that the effective date shall take
effect eighteen months after it shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Every school should be a safe and welcoming environment, both for
students and staff. Without basic hygiene, safety, and comfort, it is
impossible for students to learn and for staff to teach and nurture
their students.
Currently, the State has no uniform protocols or standards for diapering
and toileting in public schools; such protocols or standards are neces-
sary for a healthy learning environment. Therefore, a remedy to ensure
that school staff remain safe and that students are treated with care
and dignity is critical. Furthermore, schools look to provide a least-
restrictive environment for students with disabilities, who may stand to
benefit the most from universal guidelines. As such, a single, statewide
adopted protocol for diapering and toileting would foster a positive
learning environment for all students, including those with disabili-
ties. Additionally, school staff who are entrusted to assist students
with diapering and toileting need a uniform standard as well to limit
exposure to bodily fluids. This bill would require the Commissioner of
Education to establish uniform statewide protocols for the diapering and
toileting of students in public schools.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect eighteen months after 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

Statutes affected:
S9147: 305 education law
S9147A: 305 education law
S9147B: 305 education law