BILL NUMBER: S3628
SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring the teaching
of courses in the prevention of child abuse at private schools
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Expands the requirement that schools provide child sexual exploitation
and child sexual abuse education in grades kindergarten through eighth
to private schools.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends 803-b of the education law, as added by chapter 187 of
the laws of 2019 to include private schools.
Section 2 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York recently passed landmark legislation known as Erin's Law to
require all public schools to provide age appropriate child exploitation
and child abuse prevention education for K-8 students. Many young
people suffering abuse or exploitation are unaware of when and from whom
to seek help. The curriculum mandated by Erin's Law will empower
students to speak up if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable and ensure
that they have the language and knowledge they need to get help.
However, there are almost 450,000 students across New York State who
attend non-public schools, according to an estimate by the New York
State Department of Education, who remain unprotected. This legislation
would expand Erin's Law to non-public schools, to ensure that every
student in New York State receives preventative education around child
sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse can lead to lifelong trauma. This legislation will
ensure that every child in New York has the knowledge they need to get
help and it will remind them that they do not have to suffer in silence.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S4518 / A302
2021-2022: S400 / A3688
2020: S7582 / A9845
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:z
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S3628: 803-b education law, 803-b(1) education law