New York Bills

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 5067: Directs the commissioner of education to change the name of the state high school equivalency diploma to the Excelsior diploma

This bill renames New York State's high school equivalency diploma from "General Education Development (GED)" or "high school equivalency diploma" to the "Excelsior diploma" across all state and city laws. It removes fees for the exam and updates references in education, correction, and city administrative codes to reflect the new name. The change directly affects individuals seeking high school equivalency credentials, including those in correctional facilities pursuing vocational training or work release programs. Key provisions include replacing all prior terminology in statutes and ensuring the Excelsior diploma is recognized as the sole pathway to this credential.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 2091: Establishes standards for the reuse of deconstructed building materials

Establishes standards for the reuse of deconstructed building materials; requires the uniform building code to set standards for salvage lumber; requires the secretary of state to develop a program for grading salvage lumber for structural purposes.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 2011: Directs the department of state and public service commission to study and report upon disclosure by utilities to credit reporting agencies of late payments

Directs the department of state and the public service commission to study and report upon the prevalence of the disclosure by public utilities, cable television companies and cellular telephone service providers to credit reporting agencies of late payments and defaults in payment of fees and charges by consumers.

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 1192: Establishes an alternative resolution program for service members and veterans accused of certain felonies

S 1192 establishes an alternative resolution program within the criminal procedure law for service members and veterans accused of certain felonies. This program applies to individuals whose military service caused or exacerbated conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or substance abuse, which may have contributed to their alleged crime. Courts would identify eligible service members or veterans and order evaluations to assess their condition and its connection to the offense. The bill aims to provide treatment for these service-related ailments, with the possibility of reducing or dismissing charges upon successful completion of the treatment program.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Veterans

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 79: Requires that all special education students attending schools scheduled to be closed or to undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closing or change

Requires that all special education students attending schools scheduled to be closed or to undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closing or change.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 2516: Relates to a refugee resettlement program

Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees.

Topics ✓ Immigration

passed both · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 7840: Provides that consenting registrants of the adoption information registry may pre-authorize the release of identifying information

This bill allows adoptees, birth parents, and biological siblings registered in New York's adoption information registry to pre-authorize the release of their identifying information (names and addresses only) to adoption agencies or directly to other registrants. It creates a new pre-authorization form for this purpose and specifies that agencies must release such information to registrants upon request, while limiting disclosures to basic contact details. The bill does not change access to full adoption records, only streamlines the process for sharing limited identifying information between registry participants.

passed both · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 8480: Relates to payment of certain awards for disability

Includes the unaccrued portion of a non-schedule award in the amounts to be payable to and for the benefit of certain persons where a claimant was entitled to death benefits at the time of death.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 1784: Relates to the inspection of certain vacated or abandoned properties for abandoned companion animals

This bill requires individuals or government departments inspecting abandoned or vacated properties to check for any companion animals that may have been left behind. If an animal is found during these inspections, the person or department must immediately contact animal control, police, or a humane society to retrieve or care for the pet, while explicitly stating they do not become the animal's owner. The legislation also imposes fines of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses on anyone who fails to conduct these required inspections. Additionally, the law mandates that if a tenant is present, at least seven days of notice must be given before entry, except in cases of emergency repairs.

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 1009: Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family member who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery

Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4945: Requires certain reports of public authorities are published via the public authorities reporting information system

Requires certain reports of public authorities are published via the public authorities reporting information system and shall not require login credentials.

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 5168: Authorizes the City of Newburgh to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such city's annual tax levy

Authorizes the City of Newburgh to add unpaid housing code violation penalties, costs and fines to such city's annual tax levy in accordance with applicable law.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results