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Bill

A 703

Relates to grants to cover the costs of school resource officers and authorizes boards of cooperative educational services to enter into contracts with local police entities to provide school resource officers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 6 co-sponsors

Bill A 703 provides grants to schools for hiring resource officers, enhancing safety by partnering with local police to create secure environments for students and staff.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 703

Summary of Bill A 703

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 703
  • Title: Relates to grants to cover the costs of school resource officers and authorizes boards of cooperative educational services to enter into contracts with local police entities to provide school resource officers
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 703 is to enhance school safety by providing financial support for the employment of school resource officers (SROs). The bill aims to facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and local law enforcement agencies, thereby ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to maintain a secure environment for students and staff.

Key Provisions

  • Grants for School Resource Officers: The bill proposes the establishment of grants that would cover the costs associated with hiring school resource officers. This funding is intended to alleviate financial burdens on school districts, allowing them to allocate resources towards safety measures.

  • Contracts with Local Police Entities: The bill authorizes boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to enter into contracts with local police departments. This provision enables schools to collaborate directly with law enforcement to provide SROs, ensuring that officers are present on school campuses.

Affected Parties

  • School Districts: The bill directly impacts school districts by providing them with financial assistance to hire SROs, which can enhance the safety and security of their campuses.

  • Local Law Enforcement: Police departments will have the opportunity to partner with schools, creating a collaborative approach to student safety and community engagement.

  • Students and Staff: The presence of school resource officers is intended to create a safer school environment, benefiting students and staff by potentially reducing incidents of violence and improving overall school climate.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Action: As of January 8, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Education Committee for further consideration. This is an important step in the legislative process, as it allows for discussions, amendments, and potential voting on the bill.

Related Bills

  • A 10601 (prior-session): A related bill from a previous legislative session that may address similar issues regarding school safety and resource allocation.

  • A 1526 (prior-session): Another prior-session bill that could have implications for school safety measures.

  • S 4814 (companion): A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 703, potentially facilitating a more comprehensive approach to school resource officer funding and implementation.

Conclusion

Bill A 703 represents a proactive approach to enhancing school safety through the funding of school resource officers. By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and local law enforcement, the bill aims to create a safer environment for students and staff, addressing critical concerns about school security in contemporary society.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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