Finger Lakes Today

Senator Helming, alongside law enforcement and school leaders, is advocating for a legislative change to mandate timely communication from state agencies when a felony offender under 18 is released from state custody. This initiative aims to assist law enforcement agencies and school districts in enhancing student safety and public security.

The push for this legislative amendment follows a 2022 incident where a 15-year-old student brought a loaded firearm to an Ontario County high school, leading to multiple felony convictions. After serving two years in an OCFS facility, the student was released without notification to the local school district or law enforcement.

Currently, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is obligated to inform local law enforcement upon the release of adult felony offenders. However, there is no equivalent requirement for minors released from OCFS custody. Senator Helming has introduced legislation (S.3624) to bridge this gap by ensuring coordination between the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and DOCCS for notifying schools and law enforcement before releasing a minor felony offender.

Senator Helming emphasized, “Certainly we can all agree that any step to ensure the safety of our children and schools is a step worth taking. We have an opportunity with this legislation to close a potentially dangerous loophole in state law and ensure that state agencies coordinate efforts in order to provide timely notification to school districts and law enforcement when felony offenders under 18 are released from state custody.”

Chris Barnard, Superintendent of Red Jacket Schools, supports the measure stating, “As a Superintendent and a father, I strongly believe every student has the right to a safe and supportive learning environment...This measure empowers school districts to take proactive steps in protecting students while maintaining a system rooted in transparency, accountability, and compassion.”

Kelly Zimmerman, Superintendent of Dansville Schools remarked on the importance of strategic support systems during juvenile reintegration into society: “However, for schools to effectively fulfill this role, it is essential that they receive pertinent information about the child’s history, needs, and risk factors.”

Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts highlighted the need for proactive planning: “Learning that someone who locked down a school...has been released because he is on or near the campus is a loophole that cannot continue.”

Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan sponsors this bill in the State Assembly. He commented on its necessity: “I’m proud to sponsor this legislation in the State Assembly. We must protect our community and ensure that all students have access to a safe high quality learning environment.”