NY S05378

Creates a certification program for school safety specialists to be established and maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services

Requires training to cover prevention and response to school safety incidents, emergency preparedness planning, threat assessment, situational awareness, crisis leadership, school-based mental health, drug prevention, cyberbullying, predatory sexual behavior, violence, suicide prevention, and gang resistance

Authorizes public and nonpublic schools to employ certified school safety specialists to provide improved safety and security on school grounds, with districts able to hire as many specialists as they deem necessary

Permits school safety specialists to propose and enforce safety policies, utilize safety technology, serve as liaisons with law enforcement and health agencies, develop prevention and emergency response strategies, assist with emergency drills, and provide mentoring to students

Takes effect 120 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for agencies to develop necessary regulations