New York Senate Bill S03390

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Engrossed: 6/10/25
• Refer: 6/10/25
• Engrossed: 6/13/25
• Enrolled: 12/1/25
• Chaptered: 12/5/25
• Passed: 12/5/25

Caption

Requires each institution of higher education to make publicly available its policy on notifying the parent, guardian, or emergency contact of a student under twenty-one of certain controlled substance and alcohol violations, including rule infractions, and controlled substance or alcohol related hospitalizations or overdoses; requires such colleges and institutions to conduct regular training on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Impact

The proposed legislation amends the education law by requiring higher education institutions to establish and make accessible their notification policies. This could lead to significant changes in how educational institutions handle communication concerning student conduct related to substances. Furthermore, the bill necessitates that these institutions conduct regular training based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which governs the handling of student education records and privacy, particularly in emergencies involved with health and safety.

Summary

Bill S03390, also known as 'Beau's Law', mandates that all institutions of higher education publicly disclose their policies regarding the notification of parents, guardians, or emergency contacts for students under twenty-one who are involved in alcohol or controlled substance violations. This law aims to ensure that serious incidents, such as hospitalizations or overdoses related to substance use, are communicated effectively to families, thus enhancing student safety and accountability within educational institutions.

Contention

Discussions around S03390 might center on potential concerns regarding privacy and the implications of disclosing information about student behavior to parents or guardians. Critics may argue that the law could infringe on students' rights to privacy and autonomy. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that such transparency is crucial for ensuring student well-being and enabling timely intervention in the event of substance-related incidents.