2021

LEGISLATE VIRTUAL CONGRESS

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

July 7, 2021

AN ACT

Later School Starting Time Bill

This bill will restrict public secondary schools from beginning classes any earlier than 8;30 in the morning.

Introduced By:

Date Introduced:

Referred to:

Luke Milem

July 7, 2021, 3:06:24 PM

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Studies have shown that, due to a shifting circadian rhythm, teenagers naturally go to sleep later and sleep longer than children and adults. However, the older you get, the earlier schools start. This contradiction can cause teenagers to get a lack of sleep, which increases their risk for mental illness, heart disease, obesity, and causes an overall lack of energy which can directly negatively impact their academic ability. A later school start time will allow teenagers to get more sleep, therefore nullifying these risks.

BE IT ENACTED BY LEGISLATE SENATORS VIRTUALLY ASSEMBLED THAT

Glossary of Terms:

Circadian rhythm: A natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle-- Your "internal clock."

Secondary school: Schools that teach grades 6-12(middle schools and high schools).

This bill will be aimed at all public school districts in New York State.

Punishments:

If a school fails to comply with this act, their state funding will be reduced by 20% until the aforementioned failure is remedied.

Enforcement:

All school districts will be forced to comply, should they wish to continue to be funded by the state.

Enactment:

Later School Starting Time Bill

will go into effect on

June 30, 2021, 4:00:00 AM

All school districts will be notified, and their contracts with the state will be changed to include this bill. This will come into effect starting with the 2022-2023 school year.

Thank you for supporting this bill

Bill Amendments & Testimony:

Thank you for supporting this bill