On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed legislation (A6787-D/S5140-B) that suspends facial recognition and biometric technologies in schools. The legislation, which takes effect immediately, prohibits schools from purchasing and utilizing biometric identifying technology in schools until July 1, 2022 or until the State Education Commissioner authorizes the purchase or the use of such […]
FFCRA Update: Revised Temporary Rule
On September 11, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued revisions and clarifications to its prior rule (“Revised Rule”) regarding leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA” or “Paid Sick Leave”) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLEA” or “Expanded Childcare Leave”), both parts of the Families First […]
2020-2021 State Budget Legislation
On April 3, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law the 2020-2021 State budget. The Budget legislation makes significant changes related to State aid, union access to new employee orientations, paid time off to vote, the sale, distribution, and marketing of vapor products and e-cigarettes, the sale and distribution of containers composed of Styrofoam, and […]
Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”)
We write to provide an update as to the available guidance provided by various governmental agencies regarding the myriad of issues related to COVID-19 (e.g., prevention, sanitation, protocols, etc.) as well as some associated labor issues. Guercio and Guercio clients can view this entire memorandum in the client portal.
Probationary Period for Administrators
Recently enacted amendments to the Education Law will provide for a shortened probationary period of three years (rather than four years) for administrators who were previously granted tenure in an authorized administrative tenure area. The amendments take effect on June 1, 2020 and apply only to individuals beginning their probationary periods on or after that date. Guercio & […]
Recently Adopted Data Privacy and Security Regulations
On January 14, 2020, the Board of Regents adopted the long-awaited regulations implementing the data privacy and security requirements of Education Law §2-d. The new regulations are effective January 29, 2020. The entire memorandum summarizing the regulations and the additional steps educational agencies must take to comply with the requirements of Section 2-d can […]
Legislative Changes to School District Budget Votes and Elections
On November 11, 2019, the Governor signed into law “n Act to amend the education law, in relation to military voters and ballots for election of members of the board of education and school district public library trustees, and the adoption of the annual budget and school district public library budget and referenda.” Ch. […]
APPR Regulations
At the Board of Regents meeting held on January 14, 2020, the Regents re-adopted emergency APPR regulations and it is anticipated the Regents will act to adopt the regulations on a permanent basis in February. Guercio & Guercio clients may read the memorandum regarding these regulations in the Client Portal.
Election Law Section 5-507 Voter Pre-Registration and Education on Voter Pre-Registration
Effective January 1, 2020, students who are at least 16 years of age and are otherwise qualified to register to vote may pre-register to vote and will automatically be registered to vote upon turning 18 years of age. Election Law §5-507. Section 5-507(2), which addresses “Encouragement of student voter registration and pre-registration”, […]
New Sexual Harassment Legislation Signed into Law by Governor Cuomo
New Sexual Harassment Legislation Signed into Law by Governor Cuomo – On August 12, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed a bill (S.6577/A.8421) into law that comprehensively extended protections for those making claims of sexual harassment. The law furthers the goals of 2018’s package of reforms, which, among other things, required all employers, public […]
