Education

passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 3, 2026

A 10334: Phases out certain mandatory university fees for certain graduate students and adjunct staff

Provides that beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, certain graduate students shall be required to pay 25% of all current and future mandatory university fees; provides that in the 2027-2028 academic year and thereafter, no mandatory university fees shall be charged to certain graduate students and adjunct staff, with the exclusion of the graduate student association student activity fee.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPhases out mandatory fees for graduate students, reducing costs and improving access to higher education without restricting academic freedom or funding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 519: Establishes the underrepresented teachers of tomorrow teacher recruitment and retention program

Establishes the underrepresented teachers of tomorrow teacher recruitment and retention program to attract and retain underrepresented certified teachers in schools which have an underrepresentation of underrepresented certified teachers; provides for grants and procedures for applying for such grants and eligibility requirements for fund distribution.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates grant program to fund recruitment/retention of underrepresented teachers, advancing equity in education staffing and addressing school underrepresentation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 7367: Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at SUNY and CUNY

Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill grants free academic credit to volunteer firefighters/EMTs at SUNY/CUNY, expanding educational access without cost. Directly supports higher education access for a specific group.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 10007: Relates to the submission of requests to the committee on special education for the educational services mandated by an individualized education services program

Requires the school district of location shall annually provide written notice to all parents or persons in parental relation to students with disabilities attending nonpublic schools within their district regarding the process for requesting special education services; relates to the denial of services in a city having a population of one million or more for the 2024--2025 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates notice to parents regarding special education services, expanding access and protecting rights for students with disabilities.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 9539: Requires the department of health to create and issue a five-year plan with its proposals to best mitigate the persistence of lead in school water across the state

Requires the department of health, in consultation with the commissioner of education, to create and issue a five-year plan with proposals to best mitigate the persistence of lead in schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves drinking water safety in schools, protecting student health and enhancing school infrastructure, which supports educational access and learning environments.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 10079: Relates to the qualifications to serve as a member of the citywide council on English language learners and of the citywide council on high schools

Allows parents of a child who has ever received services through an English as a second language program to serve as a member of the citywide council on English language learners and of the citywide council on high schools even if the child is no longer enrolled.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands stakeholder representation in education policy by allowing ESL program parents to serve on councils, enhancing educational access and decision-making inclusivity.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 4692: Requires that free menstrual products be provided in the bathrooms of private colleges and universities

Senate Bill 4692 requires all private colleges and universities in the state to provide menstrual products. These products must be made available in the restrooms of their school buildings. The bill specifies that these items must be offered at no charge to students. This legislation directly affects private higher education institutions, which must supply the products, and benefits their students by ensuring free access to them.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates free menstrual products in private college restrooms, enhancing student access to essential needs and supporting educational participation in higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides free menstrual products in schools as a public health measure improving access to essential health necessities, aligning with healthcare access indicators.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 4379: Requires the educational and vocational credits earned by incarcerated individuals are transferable upon release

Requires that curricula and educational programs provide incarcerated individuals the opportunity to earn educational or vocational credits which shall be transferable to an educational institution upon the release of the incarcerated individual.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables transferable educational credits for incarcerated individuals, directly supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - core criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for incarcerated individuals by mandating transferable credits, directly aligning with 'expands educational access' support indicator.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 6355: Relates to the qualifications to serve as a member of the citywide council on English language learners and of the citywide council on high schools

Allows parents of a child who has ever received services through an English as a second language program to serve as a member of the citywide council on English language learners and of the citywide council on high schools even if the child is no longer enrolled.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands parental representation on ESL/high school councils, ensuring input from families with direct experience, thereby supporting educational access for English language learners.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationAllows parents of ESL program participants (often immigrant families) to serve on education councils, supporting immigrant integration efforts.70% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 3249: Relates to driver education

S 3249 expands driver education options in New York by adding licensed state driving schools to the list of approved providers, alongside high schools and colleges. It directly affects minors seeking driver's licenses (Class D/M) by allowing them to complete approved courses at these driving schools, with specific provisions for two religious schools (Yeshiva of Staten Island and Hebrew Academy of Nassau County) to offer courses at non-traditional locations. Key provisions require classroom training by state-approved instructors, permit school districts to contract with driving schools for behind-the-wheel training, and allow students in approved courses to operate vehicles under instructor supervision during training. The bill mandates certification of course completion by the commissioner and updates licensing requirements for minors.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by adding licensed driving schools as approved providers for driver education, increasing options for minors seeking licenses.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExpands approved driver education providers to improve road safety standards for new drivers, directly advancing transportation safety regulations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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