Education

died · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 2452: Relates to screening for gifted and talented students

Requires school districts to screen for gifted and talented students; provides the parents or guardians of such students the option to opt out of such screening.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates screening for gifted students to enable targeted educational programs, enhancing student opportunities per support indicators.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 both · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 1986: Extends the time period for recovery of energy performance contract costs incurred by school districts

Extends the time period from eighteen years to twenty-five years that a school shall be guaranteed recovery of energy performance contract costs from energy savings incurred by school districts over that time period.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends energy cost recovery period for school infrastructure, reducing operational burdens and enabling long-term savings for school districts.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExtends recovery period for school energy efficiency contracts, enabling longer-term cost recovery and encouraging investment in energy-saving measures.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 4903: Directs the creation of a document giving certain notice to parents and guardians of school age students who are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition or a certain medical condition

Enacts the "Shepherd Patterson notification act"; requires a physician who treats a minor patient with a medical condition that may cause a disability to provide certain educational information to such patient's parents or guardians indicating such minor is entitled to a free and appropriate public education as defined under section five hundred four of the federal rehabilitation act of nineteen hundred seventy-three; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires physicians to inform parents of students' rights to free appropriate public education under federal law, protecting educational access for students with medical conditions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 8151: Authorizes the commissioner of taxation and finance to establish segment special equalization rates for certain school districts

Authorizes the commissioner of taxation and finance to establish segment special equalization rates starting in fiscal year 2026 for the Amityville Union Free School District and Farmingdale Union Free School District for the segments of the districts in the towns of Babylon and Oyster Bay.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes equalization rates to ensure equitable school district funding allocation, strengthening resource distribution for K-12 schools in specified districts.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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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 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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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 5103: Requires schools to include instruction on the prevention of co-occurring disorders as an integral part of their health education programs

Bill S 5103 amends the education law to require junior and senior high schools to include instruction on the prevention of co-occurring disorders within their health education programs. This new instruction will serve as a bridge between existing units on mental health and substance misuse or addiction. It aims to educate students about mental health, foster healthy decision-making, and explain pathways to substance misuse. The instruction must be designed according to pupils' needs and abilities, and the commissioner may consult relevant advisory councils during development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates new health curriculum on mental health/substance misuse prevention, enhancing student education programs per bill's explicit requirement to integrate into school health education.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates school curriculum on co-occurring disorder prevention, advancing mental health education as part of healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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