Council Speaker Plans New School Buffer Zone Bill After Veto

Council Speaker Julie Menin is expected to fast-track a new bill to create buffer zones around schools during protests. The measure follows the mayor's veto of previous legislation on the same topic. The slightly revised legislation narrows the no-protest zones to schools only. It is slated to move through the full council in the coming weeks with an overwhelming majority, according to insiders.

The School Safe Access bill specifies that buffer zones will apply to student-serving educational institutions. Sources describe the change as minor and intended to address concerns raised about the first version. The amendments also drew praise from members of the Jewish community.

The UJA-Federation of New York said in a statement that Speaker Menin has shown courage in advocating for safety. Moshe Spern of United Jewish Teachers said the refinements keep the focus on protecting students and ensuring safe access to schools.

The mayor vetoed the first proposed law, which was sponsored by Eric Dinowitz. The mayor stated the language was too vague and could affect protests at universities, museums, and teaching hospitals. The mayor said the measure could impact workers protesting ICE or college students demonstrating in support of Palestinian rights.

The new amendments are expected to address those concerns. The school zone bill was nearly identical to another measure that created a no-protest zone outside religious institutions. That legislation passed with a veto-proof majority and automatically became law late last month after the mayor did not sign it.