Senate Bill S32

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S32

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the education law, in relation to courses of
instruction in tourette syndrome


 PURPOSE :
This bill would require a course of instruction in tourette syndrome
for use in the elementary schools and secondary schools of the state
to increase awareness and understanding of this disorder.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
This bill would amend the Education Law to add a new section 804-e,
Instruction in Tourette Syndrome. The Commissioner of Education would
be required to provide and present a course of instruction in Tourette
Syndrome for both the elementary and secondary schools of the state.
The bill also requires that such instruction shall be given within
every public, private and parochial elementary and secondary school in
the state.

 JUSTIFICATION :
Tourette Syndrome is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized
by repeated and involuntary body movements (tics) and vocal sounds.
Involuntary symptoms can include eye blinking, repeated throat
clearing or sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements, shoulder
              

shrugging or jumping.

According to the Tourette Syndrome Association, these and other
symptoms typically appear before the age of 18 and the condition
occurs in all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times more
often than females. Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to
person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall
into the mild category. Associated conditions can include attentional
problems, impulsiveness and learning disabilities.

Children with TS frequently do not receive special education services
because of misunderstanding about the nature of their symptoms.
Educators frequently see mild cases of TS as behavioral or conduct
disorder which may result in the inappropriate placement of these
children. For example, a child may be considered emotionally or
behaviorally disturbed rather than being recognized as a child with

TS. Increasing awareness for this disorder will help in addressing
behavioral issues and help to integrate children with TS within our
classrooms.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
2004 Education Committee (S.7007/A.111O)
2005-2006 Education Committee (S.1129-A/A.1070-A)
2007-2008: Referred to Education (S.1530/A.4205)

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
Minimal.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the first day of August next succeeding
the date on which it shall become law; provided, however, that any
rules or regulations necessary for the timely implementation of this
act on its effective date shall be promulgated on or before such date.