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S 4814

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 Pam Helming and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 4814 provides grants to schools for hiring resource officers, enhancing safety by fostering partnerships between educational institutions and local police.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 4814

Summary of Bill S 4814

Bill Number: S 4814
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: February 13, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4814 aims to enhance school safety by providing financial support for the employment of school resource officers (SROs). The bill seeks to establish a framework for boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to collaborate with local police departments, ensuring that schools have access to trained law enforcement personnel who can help maintain a secure learning environment.

Key Provisions

  • Grants for School Resource Officers: The bill proposes the creation of grant programs specifically designed to cover the costs associated with hiring school resource officers. This funding would alleviate financial burdens on school districts, enabling them to prioritize safety without diverting resources from educational programs.

  • Contracts with Local Police Entities: BOCES would be authorized to enter into contracts with local police departments to provide SROs. This provision encourages partnerships between educational institutions and law enforcement, fostering a cooperative approach to school safety.

  • Eligibility and Funding Mechanism: While specific eligibility criteria and funding amounts are not detailed in the current version of the bill, it is expected that guidelines will be established to determine which schools and districts can apply for grants.

Who Would Be Affected

  • School Districts: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be school districts that are currently unable to afford the costs of hiring SROs. The grants would provide necessary financial support.

  • Students and Staff: The presence of SROs is intended to enhance the safety of students and staff within schools, potentially reducing incidents of violence and improving overall school climate.

  • Local Police Departments: Law enforcement agencies would have the opportunity to engage more directly with schools, fostering relationships that could lead to improved community safety.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 13, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Education Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill S 6629 and has a companion bill, A 703, which may provide additional context or support for its provisions.

Conclusion

Bill S 4814 represents a proactive approach to enhancing school safety through the strategic deployment of school resource officers. By providing financial assistance and facilitating partnerships between educational institutions and law enforcement, the bill aims to create a safer environment for students and staff across the state. Further developments will be monitored as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

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

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