Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) is renewing her call to state leaders to pass legislation to protect our schoolchildren. Byrnes and Senator Patrick Gallivan (R,C-Elma) sponsored bills (A9432/S4286) to provide state funding to school districts to hire school resource officers (SRO).

“The heartbreak felt by parents in Uvadle, Texas is unbearable and it is echoing across our entire nation. But there is something we can do to protect our children. With one week left in session, I need our leaders in Albany to take action on these bills now,” said Byrnes.

The bills would provide a specific definition of School Resource Officer, requiring such persons to be experienced active duty or retired members of law enforcement. It further provides, for the first time, an important state aid component, which will allow all schools across the state to have necessary funds to retain the services of such invaluable public protection. This legislation will allow school districts, regardless of their budgets, to effectively protect the school, its students, faculty and visitors.

Byrnes continued, “Albany needs to make this a reality now.”