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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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 1, 2026

S 4601: Relates to exempting school supplies from sales tax during a specified period each year

This bill would temporarily exempt basic school supplies from sales tax during a 15-day period each year - the 15 days preceding Labor Day (the first Monday in September). It applies to items like backpacks, textbooks, pens, notebooks, and calculators purchased for under $110 total per transaction. The exemption covers only purchases made during this specific annual window, directly benefiting families buying school essentials for the upcoming school year. The bill amends tax law to create this temporary relief period while maintaining existing tax definitions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts school supplies from sales tax, providing tax relief for families during back-to-school season, aligning with tax relief indicators for middle-income households.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts school supplies from sales tax during back-to-school period, reducing costs for families and directly supporting educational access/affordability for K-12 students.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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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 Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 5116: Relates to the documentation and preservation of Black history in New York state by the state university of New York

Establishes the New York state Black history preservation commission to ensure the documentation and preservation of Black history in New York state within the state university of New York.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes commission to document Black history in SUNY curriculum, enhancing educational content and access to diverse historical perspectives within higher education.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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