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Senator Bruno presents Doug and Mary Lyall with a Senate Resolution proclaiming April 6th , "Missing Persons Day," in honor of their daughter, Suzanne. |
25,000 People Sign Petition Urging Assembly Passage
Thursday, April 5, 2001
The New York State Senate today passed "Suzanne's Law," legislation (S.3094) that would increase penalties for committing a felony assault or abduction on school grounds.
"This bill is about much more than simply changing our laws to deter criminals from preying on young people," Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, who sponsored the bill, said. "It's about giving parents greater peace of mind that their children will be safe and that they can learn and grow in an atmosphere free of crime and violence. I urge the Assembly to join us in passing this bill so Governor Pataki can sign it into law."
Senator Bruno was joined at a Capitol news conference by Doug and Mary Lyall of Ballston Spa, whose daughter Suzanne Lyall disappeared three years ago from the University at Albany campus. The Lyalls have collected 25,000 signatures on a petition, urging the Assembly to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.
"It has been three years since we last spoke with our daughter and since her disappearance we have fought to change state laws to help ensure that other people's sons and daughters don't fall victim to crimes," said Doug Lyall. "We truly appreciate the support of Senator Bruno and the entire Senate, as well as Governor Pataki, for taking action that will help make all our schools more safe."
"Despite significant decreases in crime in our state, the incidence of crimes committed on school grounds persists at a disturbing rate," said Assemblyman James N. Tedisco (R-C, Schenectady). "These crimes disrupt classrooms, deprive students of a safe learning environment and cause emotional and physical harm to victims and their families. This should not be tolerated and I urge Speaker Silver to bring "Suzanne's Law" to the Assembly floor for a vote. I'm confident it would pass overwhelmingly."
"Suzanne's Law," which was originally introduced as a Governor's Program Bill, would increase criminal penalties for a long list of violent crimes committed against individuals on all school grounds including nursery schools, day care centers, high schools and college campuses. It was passed unanimously by the Senate the last two years, but not acted on by the Assembly. "Student safety legislation has not kept up with all of our efforts to improve our exceptional system of education throughout New York State," said Senator Bruno. "Crimes on school grounds persist at alarming rates and this legislation would provide the increased penalties necessary to deter crimes on school grounds."
On Friday, April 6th, Suzanne Lyall would have celebrated her 23rd birthday. In concurrence with a resolution approved by the Legislature, Governor George Pataki proclaimed April 6th , "Missing Person's Day," in honor of Suzanne and to raise public awareness regarding the plight of missing persons and their families.
Under the provisions of "Suzanne's Law", a person is guilty of a crime committed against a person on school grounds when he or she commits an enumerated offense or attempts or conspires to commit any of the offenses, and it constitutes a felony; and occurs on school grounds. The bill also expands the current definition of "school grounds" to include nursery schools, daycare facilities, trade schools, junior colleges, community colleges, colleges, universities and any other institution of higher education.
The measure also authorizes all private and public entities having jurisdiction over any highway within school grounds to, upon request of the school, place signs along the highway to indicate that it is an "assault and abduction free" school zone.
"It is imperative that we continue to protect students from crimes committed on school grounds," said Senator Bruno. "Students, prospective students and their families should be at ease when they visit an institution for the purpose of learning and improving their lives. The passage of "Suzanne's Law" would provide peace of mind and diminish the opportunity for crimes to be committed on school grounds."
The bill was sent to the Assembly.
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