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 No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

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 No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

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 No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate May 6, 2026

S 319: Relates to educational leave for eligible incarcerated individuals

Provides that for the purposes of educational leave, an eligible incarcerated individual shall include an incarcerated individual who is within two years of being an eligible incarcerated individual.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands educational leave eligibility for incarcerated individuals, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key aspects of criminal justice reform in corrections.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access for incarcerated individuals by extending eligibility for educational leave, aligning with 'educational access' under the topic description.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2482: Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy systems

Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy sources as a primary source of energy; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study and make recommendations for such purpose.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school infrastructure by funding renewable energy conversion, aligning with 'enhances school infrastructure' indicator for education support.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates school districts to convert to renewable energy systems as primary source, directs NYSERDA study for recommendations, directly promoting renewable energy adoption in public infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates renewable energy conversion for schools via NYSERDA study, directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions per environmental indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Mar 11, 2026

S 6318: Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates arts/music curriculum integration, expanding student program offerings and supporting arts education in K-12 schools per bill requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Mar 4, 2026

S 8853: Relates to vaccines and immunizations of children

Requires the administration of certain vaccines for children in accordance with regulations issued by the commissioner, utilizing generally accepted medical standards and based on recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or other similar nationally or internationally recognized scientific organizations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates school-required vaccines for K-12 attendance, ensuring student health and preventing disruptions to educational access as standard school policy.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates childhood vaccines per medical guidelines, advancing public health prevention standards and aligning with major medical organizations' recommendations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9479: Relates to the mechanical insulation energy savings program

This bill establishes a program to help school districts and eligible public buildings (like housing or hospitals) with structures over 20,000 square feet reduce energy costs through mechanical insulation upgrades. It requires free, qualified energy audits to identify needed insulation work and provides competitive grants covering 50% to 75% of approved insulation costs for HVAC systems, piping, and equipment. Grants are issued on a first-come basis after an approved audit, with the program to be implemented within one year of enactment. The law defines specific requirements for qualified contractors and insulation standards to ensure energy savings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides state grants covering 50-75% of insulation costs for public buildings, increasing government spending on infrastructure energy efficiency programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides grants for school district energy efficiency upgrades, reducing operational costs and supporting school infrastructure, a key aspect of education funding and facilities.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides grants for insulation upgrades to reduce energy costs in public buildings, directly advancing energy efficiency through funding and mandatory audits.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9476: Relates to the veterans tuition awards program; repealer

This bill expands New York's veterans tuition awards program by allowing qualified veterans to transfer unused benefits to eligible family members, including spouses, children, or financially dependent survivors. It defines "eligible immediate family member" and sets key rules: transfers are one-time only, children receiving benefits must be under 26, and annual transfers are capped at 100. Veterans must formally designate beneficiaries through a prescribed process, and transfers cannot exceed the original award amount. The changes take effect in 2027, building on prior legislative proposals to enhance support for veterans' families.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access by allowing veterans to transfer tuition benefits to family members, increasing educational opportunity under the veterans' program.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veterans' tuition benefits by enabling transfer to family members, strengthening program access and support for veterans' families.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

passed · New York · Senate Feb 11, 2026

S 317: Requires anti-bias training for every medical student, medical resident and physician assistant student in the state

Requires anti-bias training for every medical student, medical resident and physician assistant student in the state; requires the department of health to make an annual report on the implementation and effectiveness of such training.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates anti-bias training for medical students in higher education, enhancing curriculum standards within educational institutions.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires anti-bias training for medical students/residents to improve equitable care delivery, aligning with patient access and rights protections in healthcare policy.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

Track