As college and university students throughout New York begin their fall semesters, Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) announced that he will be sending a letter to schools reminding them to adhere to the Campus Safety Act of December 2014.

The new law, authored by Assemblyman Braunstein, mandates that public and private higher education institutions notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency no more than 24 hours after the report of a violent felony or missing person. In cases of sexual assault, the victim has to approve the school’s decision to report such offense to law enforcement.

“Until this bill was signed into law, colleges and universities could sweep on-campus sexual assaults under the rug in an effort to protect their reputation,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “I first introduced this legislation in 2011 because the number of violent crimes reported on campuses, and not investigated by local authorities, is disturbing and simply inexcusable. This law will lead to an increase in the prosecution of criminals by ensuring that these assaults are reported to law enforcement agencies that are more properly trained to investigate serious criminal issues.”