Education

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 ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves exam fees for high school equivalency diploma, expanding access to educational credentialing without cost barriers.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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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 ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnsures continuity of special education services during school transitions, protecting student access to appropriate educational placement per IEP requirements.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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died · New York · Senate May 21, 2026

S 3278: Provides for licensure of school psychology practitioners

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons; establishes mandatory continuing education requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes licensure standards for school psychologists, enhancing professional qualifications in educational settings per bill's focus on practice requirements and titles.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 8370: Relates to the responsibility for certain temporary-resident preschool children with disabilities

Clarifies the responsibility of school districts for certain temporary-resident preschool children with disabilities who are in foster care, are homeless or are in residential care.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationClarifies school district responsibilities for preschool children with disabilities in vulnerable care settings, ensuring educational access and support.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 2126: Directs the commissioner to convene statewide and regional conventions to bring together underrepresented educators

Directs the commissioner to convene statewide and regional conventions to bring together underrepresented educators annually to discuss experiences, best practices, and afford for networking, mentorship opportunities, and support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates annual conventions for underrepresented educators to discuss best practices, networking, and mentorship, directly supporting educator development and inclusion in education policy.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 9418: Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education

Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes regulatory barriers for preschool disability services, expanding educational access and support for vulnerable students.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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in committee · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 8165: Relates to requiring at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses

Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates mental health staff ratios on college campuses, directly enhancing student support services in higher education - a key education policy area - advancing student well-being and access.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates one mental health staff per 1,000 students on SUNY/CUNY campuses to expand access to clinical mental health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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in committee · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 484: Establishes the rural teacher education loan repayment program in the education department

Establishes the rural teacher education loan repayment program in the education department which provides payment for the undergraduate and graduate education loans of teachers in rural school districts who agree to teach in rural areas for at least 5 years.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides loan repayment for rural teachers to retain educators in underserved areas, directly supporting teachers and addressing rural school staffing challenges.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 1636: Authorizes the city school district of the city of Salamanca to establish a reserve fund for federal impact aid in the event such aid is reduced

This bill authorizes Salamanca City School District to create a reserve fund (capped at $5 million) using existing district funds if federal impact aid decreases. The fund would stabilize school tax levies and maintain educational services if federal aid is reduced, directly affecting Salamanca students and taxpayers. Voter approval via a separate ballot question is required before establishing the fund, and withdrawals would be disclosed in annual budget reports. The bill specifies that funds would be drawn from unassigned balances or other existing reserves, not new taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPrevents tax increases by stabilizing school levies using existing funds if federal aid drops, aligning with fiscal responsibility.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes reserve fund to maintain educational services if federal aid decreases, protecting current funding stability for Salamanca schools.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 5988: Enables public libraries to access employment preparation education (EPE) funds to provide adult literacy education

Enables public libraries to access employment preparation education (EPE) funds to provide adult literacy education; sets aside one million dollars to be awarded through a competitive grant process; provides that half of such appropriation shall be set aside for libraries serving a population of one million or more.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $1M in state funds via grants for library literacy programs, increasing public service funding under budget appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $1M for adult literacy education through public libraries, directly funding educational access for adults.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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