Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new bill into law that she says is important child protection legislation for families sending their kids to select camps.
The bill directs the New York State Department of Health to require operators of children’s non-regulated camps to search the national sex offender database before hiring an employee or volunteer. The bill also amends current state law to require single-purpose day camps and camps regulated by the Department of Health to conduct a national sex offender registry search through the U.S. Department of Justice public database.
“Keeping our children safe is a top priority for me as Governor of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to sign this legislation into law to ensure that every child who attends camps throughout New York State is protected from predators. With this new law, we will help bring camp operators and families greater peace of mind that our kids are in safe hands.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “When parents send their children to summer camp they deserve the comfort of knowing that their kids are safe and having an enjoyable experience. I thank Governor Hochul for signing legislation that protects children and eases the worries of parents when they are away.”
