Establishes the crimes of grooming of a child in the first and second degree and predatory sexual misconduct toward a child enrolled in school in the first and…

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jamaal Bailey says this is needed

The New York State Anti-Grooming Law will close loopholes in existing law that allow adults who work in schools to seek or engage in sexual conduct with students and strengthen recruitment, training and reporting requirements to ensure children enrolled in schools are protected from abuse. Significant gaps remain in the protection of students from predatory misconduct and grooming. The imbalance of power between adults in school settings and the children who attend the schools is clear. The law is not. Grooming and predatory misconduct that facilitates sexual exploitation and child abuse must not be peimitted. Examples of grooming and predato- ry misconduct include sharing graphic imagery or messages, sexual invi- tations, romantic dialogue, suggestive comments, self-disclosure of a sexual nature, and physical contact. Activities that would be addressed in professional codes of conduct include guidelines for transporting students, taking photos or videos, and contact outside professional roles. More than 18 states have laws restricting sexual contact between school personnel and students, according to the June 2021 A Call to Action report from Enough Abuse. Currently, New York State law does not explic- itly prohibit conduct that has been identified by such states or require sufficient reporting or training to prevent misconduct and abuse. Illi- nois law establishes clear definitions, mandatory codes of conduct, reporting requirements, and screening procedures for school employees. Pennsylvania law has reporting and screening requirements for school and school contractor employees focused on sexual misconduct. Other states, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Vermont, have provisions relating to sexual misconduct and/or grooming. By criminalizing grooming and predatory misconduct toward children in school settings, requiring employment screening to prevent predators from moving from one school setting to the next, and strengthening professional ethics and training requirements, New York State is helping to ensure children grow and learn in the safe and healthy environments they deserve.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.