S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
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5331
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 8, 2017
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Introduced by M. of A. TITUS, LAVINE, MAGNARELLI, PEOPLES-STOKES,
JAFFEE, AUBRY, BENEDETTO -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. CAHILL,
COLTON, FARRELL, NOLAN, O'DONNELL, PERRY, RIVERA, ZEBROWSKI -- read
once and referred to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to a prenatal care initi-
ative
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 3641 of the education law is amended by adding a
new subdivision 2-a to read as follows:
2-A. PRENATAL CARE INITIATIVE. A. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL, UPON APPLI-
CATION THEREFOR AND WITHIN AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED FOR SUCH PURPOSE,
PROVIDE GRANTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL
SERVICES WHICH ARE DESIGNED WITH THE INTENT OF IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURES
BY WHICH SCHOOL PERSONNEL MAY ASSIST PREGNANT STUDENTS IN PLANNING FOR
THEIR CONTINUED EDUCATION DURING AND AFTER THEIR PREGNANCY.
B. SUCH SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND BOARDS OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL
SERVICES SHALL DESIGNATE A FACULTY MEMBER WHO SHALL SERVE AS A SUPPORT
PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR DISSEMINATION OF ENTITLEMENT INFORMATION AND FOR
THE REFERRAL MECHANISM FOR STUDENTS IN NEED OF PRENATAL HEALTH CARE AND
RELATED SERVICES. SUCH DESIGNATED FACULTY MEMBER SHALL, AS MUCH AS
LEGALLY AND REASONABLY POSSIBLE, INVOLVE THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THE
PREGNANT STUDENT IN THE PRENATAL HEALTH CARE CHOICES AVAILABLE TO SUCH
STUDENT. PARENTAL OR GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT SHOULD BE SOUGHT TO THE EXTENT
POSSIBLE WITHOUT UNDULY DELAYING THE STUDENT'S RECEIPT OF NECESSARY
HEALTH CARE AND RELATED SERVICES. ALL SUCH SERVICES SHALL BE COORDINATED
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT FEASIBLE WITH SERVICES AVAILABLE IN OTHER STATE,
LOCAL AND FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS.
C. EDUCATIONAL CHOICES SHOULD ALSO BE PRESENTED TO THE PREGNANT
STUDENT. STUDENTS SHOULD BE INFORMED OF THEIR OPTION TO REMAIN IN THEIR
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03018-01-7
A. 5331 2
PRESENT SCHOOL, TRANSFER TO ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL OR PROGRAM OR TO RECEIVE
HOME INSTRUCTION.
D. PREGNANT STUDENTS OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE SHALL BE REQUIRED TO
CONTINUE TO ATTEND SCHOOL UNLESS MEDICAL REASONS INDICATE THE CONTRARY.
IF THERE IS AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE, REGULAR ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES SHOULD
BE FOLLOWED.
E. THE PREGNANT STUDENT AND HER PARENT OR GUARDIAN SHOULD BE PROVIDED
WITH INFORMATION WHICH WOULD ENABLE SUCH STUDENT TO SEEK THE SERVICES
NEEDED TO ASSIST IN THE CONTINUATION OF SUCH STUDENT'S EDUCATION.
F. EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT OR BOARD OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
SHALL COMPILE MONTHLY REPORTS ON THE PROGRESS OF PREGNANT STUDENTS
COVERED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.