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 […]
Stop-Arm Camera Bill Legislation
The New York State Legislature has recently enacted legislation authorizing the installation of cameras on the “stop arms” of school buses. These cameras will use photo monitoring devices to “detect and record vehicles illegally passing or overtaking a school bus.” The owner of a vehicle detected by such a camera to be overtaking or […]
New Legal Rights for Employees who are Victims of Domestic Violence
On August 20, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law containing new protections for employees who are victims of domestic violence. The new law is applicable to all employees including school districts. Guercio & Guercio clients may read the entire memorandum in the Client Portal.
Repeal of Religious Exemptions to Immunizations
On June 13, 2019, the Governor signed into law legislation (S.2994A/A.2371) removing non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for students. This means that all schoolchildren must now be vaccinated as required in the Public Health Law, even if their parents have religious objections to the vaccinations.
The new legislation is effective immediately. Guercio & Guercio, LLP […]
