NY A08264

Establishes a certification program for school safety specialists administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, including development, application process, and program maintenance.

Requires training topics to include school safety incident prevention and response, emergency preparedness, threat assessment, mental health mediation, cyberbullying, substance abuse, violence and suicide prevention, and gang resistance.

Authorizes public and nonpublic schools to employ certified school safety specialists to provide security on school grounds, with school districts determining the number needed.

Permits school safety specialists to propose safety policies, implement security technology, coordinate with law enforcement and community agencies, develop emergency response strategies, conduct safety drills, and provide student mentoring and education.

Takes effect 120 days after enactment, with regulatory authority granted immediately for implementation.