Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. announced recently that the New York State Senate passed "Suzanne's Law" legislation that would increase penalties for committing a felony assault or abduction on school grounds. The bill is named for Suzanne Lyall, who disappeared four years ago from the University at Albany campus.

According to Fuschillo, "Suzanne's Law" would increase criminal penalties for a long list of violent crimes committed against individuals on all school grounds, including nursery and elementary schools, day care centers, high schools and college campuses.

"This legislation would provide the increased penalties necessary to help deter crimes on school grounds," Fuschillo said. "Parents need assurance that all is being done to protect their children while away from home and at school."

Fuschillo said that 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 legislation 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.

"It is imperative that we continue to protect students from crimes committed on school grounds," Fuschillo said. "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.