NY A11347

School districts and charter schools must provide video cameras with sound recording capability in special education classrooms where a majority of students have disabilities (including autism) that prevent effective communication and receive special education services for at least 50% of the instructional day.

Video cameras must record only during regular school days and all classroom areas except bathrooms and areas where students change clothing.

School principals must provide written notice to parents, guardians, and staff before installing cameras, and must ensure all employees working in recorded classrooms receive training on camera use and related rights and responsibilities.

Recordings are confidential and not public records; they may only be released with written consent of all persons appearing in the recording, or without consent to parents/employees regarding complaints, child welfare investigations, criminal investigations, or legal proceedings.

Recordings must be retained for no more than 60 days or until complaint disposition, whichever is longer, unless a court order or subpoena requires longer retention; the bill does not create new causes of action or waive school district immunities.