BILL NUMBER: S3278
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 PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides the legislative intent and findings.
Section 2 amends the Education Law by adding a new Article 153-A.
Section 3 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 4 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 5 amends section 7602 of the Education Law to include school
psychology practitioners within the State Board of Psychology.
Section 6 amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 413 of the
Social Services Law, to include school psychology practitioners as
mandatory reporters.
Section 7 amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 413 of the
Social Services Law, to include school psychology practitioners as
mandatory reporters.
Section 8 amends subdivision 1 of Section 6503-a of the Education Law.
Section 9 is a severability clause.
Section 10 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The ever-growing social and emotional needs of students have only been
intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we emerge from the pandemic, we
must ensure services are available for students and their parents to
seek the help they need by allowing school psychologists to assist chil-
dren outside of a traditional setting. Increasing the number of trained
individuals who are able to assist students outside of an educational
setting will be 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, school psychologists can
contribute to the future success of students. It is important that
school psychologists are held to specific standards and requirements
that will ensure competent services for school children and their fami-
lies. This bill is necessary to provide schools with a framework in
which they can be assured they are employing licensed school psychol
ogists.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: S4347 Passed Senate.
2023-24: S3036A Passed Senate.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Positive to the state as it will generate license fees.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 18 months after it shall have become law.

Statutes affected:
S3278: 6507 education law, 6507(3) education law, 7602 education law, 413 social services law, 413(1) social services law, 6503-a education law, 6503-a(1) education law