Summary of Bill S 259

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 259
• Title: Establishes the crimes of criminal trespass on a school bus, school grounds, or children's camp
• Status: Committed to Rules
• Introduced On: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 259 aims to enhance the safety and security of children by establishing specific criminal offenses related to unauthorized entry onto school buses, school grounds, and children's camps. The intent is to deter individuals from trespassing in these sensitive areas, thereby protecting minors and ensuring a safe environment for educational and recreational activities.

Key Provisions

• Criminal Trespass Definition: The bill defines the act of criminal trespass specifically in the context of school buses, school grounds, and children's camps.
• Penalties: The legislation outlines penalties for individuals found guilty of trespassing in these designated areas, which may include fines, community service, or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Enforcement: The bill provides guidelines for law enforcement on how to handle trespassing incidents, including the authority to remove trespassers and the procedures for filing charges.

Affected Parties

• Students and Children: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students and children who utilize school buses and attend schools or camps, as the legislation aims to create a safer environment for them.
• School Authorities: Schools and camp administrators will have clearer legal backing to address and prevent unauthorized access to their facilities.
• Law Enforcement: Police and security personnel will receive additional tools and authority to manage trespassing incidents effectively.

Legislative Timeline

• January 08, 2025: Bill referred to the Codes Committee for review.
• May 05, 2025: The bill was reported for the first time (1st Report Cal. 913).
• May 06, 2025: The bill advanced to the second report calendar (2nd Report Cal.).
• May 07, 2025: The bill advanced to the third reading, indicating it was ready for further debate and potential voting.
• June 13, 2025: The bill was committed to the Rules Committee for further consideration.

Related Bills

Bill S 259 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 2403
- S 5189
- S 696
- S 6957
- A 6050 (companion bill)
- S 6512
- S 5122

These related bills may share similar themes or objectives regarding the protection of children and school safety.

Conclusion

Bill S 259 represents a proactive approach to safeguarding children in educational and recreational settings by criminalizing unauthorized access to school buses, grounds, and camps. The proposed legislation is currently under consideration, with several steps already taken in the legislative process.