Senate Passes Measure to Prohibit Registered Sex Offenders from Holding School Leadership Positions

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S4153), sponsored by Senator Kenneth LaValle (R-C-I, Port Jefferson), that would prevent registered sex offenders from obtaining leadership positions within schools.  

Senator LaValle said, “We need to take every responsible action when it comes to protecting our children. My legislation adds an additional safeguard by preventing sexual offenders from serving in positions in schools and on school boards. Individuals with these types of records should not hold places of trust in education. It’s my hope that the Assembly and the Governor follow suit and approve the bill this session.”

Under this legislation, any person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act will be prohibited from being a trustee, principal, officer, or member on a board of education of any public school in any BOCES, city, union free, common, central school district, or charter school.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.