Education (K-12 Education)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2659: Requires a yearly inspection of all audiological testing equipment

This bill requires all schools to inspect hearing testing equipment annually to ensure it meets manufacturer and government safety standards. It directly affects public and private K-12 schools that conduct hearing examinations. Schools must replace any equipment failing these standards, with inspections performed per manufacturer guidelines. The requirement applies to all devices used for hearing tests under existing education law. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires annual safety inspections of school hearing equipment, ensuring student safety and compliance with standards - directly protects K-12 school infrastructure and student well-being.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 17, 2025

S 7472: Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children

Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children commencing in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and continuing thereafter on an annual basis until each child successfully completes second grade; requires school districts to designate an individual to maintain complete and accurate records containing early screening reports for each child, and to provide resources and materials to the parent and/or guardian of any child who displays indications of dyslexia.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates early dyslexia screening in K-12 to identify learning needs early, supporting student access to interventions and improving educational outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8918: Relates to permitting lifeguard certification training courses to satisfy required physical education credits

This bill allows students in New York State schools to earn physical education credits by completing state-approved lifeguard certification training courses. It requires the Board of Regents to create rules enabling these courses to count toward the mandatory physical education requirements. The policy directly affects high school students who complete approved lifeguard training programs, potentially reducing the need for separate physical education classes. The change applies only to courses meeting state standards for lifeguard certification, not general physical education instruction.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates alternative pathway for physical education credits, enhancing curriculum flexibility and student program access without reducing requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5427: Relates to screening and services for dyslexic children

This bill requires all public school districts to implement mandatory dyslexia screening for students starting in kindergarten, with annual screenings until the end of second grade. The screening must be evidence-based, low-cost, and efficient. Schools must provide small-group, multi-sensory phonics instruction as intervention services for students identified with dyslexia or related learning differences. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates dyslexia screening and evidence-based intervention services for K-2 students, directly advancing educational access and support for learning differences in K-12 schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7850: Relates to requiring memorization of multiplication tables as part of the basic education program

This bill requires public school students to memorize multiplication tables as part of the standard basic education curriculum. It mandates that schools include this requirement in their course of study to demonstrate student competency in efficient multiplication. The law would apply immediately to the next school year following its enactment, directly affecting K-12 students in public schools within the jurisdiction of this legislation. The provision replaces existing methods with a specific skill demonstration requirement for foundational math proficiency.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates foundational math skill requirement, advancing curriculum standards without restricting access or funding85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3595: Requires all school districts to have a licensed physical education teacher

This bill requires all public school districts in the state to ensure physical education is taught by a licensed instructor. Districts with 20 or more teachers must employ a dedicated licensed PE teacher in every school, while smaller districts must arrange for PE instruction to be provided by existing licensed staff or a qualified PE teacher. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment, mandating this change across all public schools without exception. It directly affects every public school district and their staffing requirements for physical education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates licensed PE teachers to ensure qualified instruction, strengthening program quality and teacher standards in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Teachers

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7051: Relates to redefining science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM)

This bill creates a New York State scholarship program to support undergraduate students pursuing STEM degrees (science, technology, engineering, math, and design). It directly affects high school graduates from New York who rank in the top 10% of their class and enroll full-time in STEM programs at NY colleges. The scholarship covers tuition costs (up to SUNY rates) but converts to a loan if recipients switch majors, fail to work in a NY STEM job for five years after graduation, or miss reporting requirements. The program aims to boost STEM education and workforce readiness by incentivizing both academic completion and post-graduation employment within the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates STEM scholarship covering tuition for top NY high school graduates pursuing STEM degrees, directly funding higher education access and strengthening STEM education pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5763: Requires public schools to start no earlier than eight thirty a.m. and that no public high school within the state shall start before an elementary school starts within the same school district

Requires public schools to start no earlier than eight thirty a.m. and that no public high school within the state shall start before an elementary school starts within the same school district.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationSets later school start times to improve student health and academic performance, aligning with evidence-based education policies promoting student well-being.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety School Transportation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4131: Conforms the New York state college choice tuition savings program to the federal qualified tuition program

Conforms the New York state college choice tuition savings program to the federal qualified tuition program so as to include savings for grades kindergarten through 12.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tax-advantaged savings for K-12 education, increasing access to educational funding options through state-federal program alignment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Choice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8211: Relates to authorizing a state personal income tax credit for elementary and secondary school personnel for certain expenses incurred for school related supplies

Authorizes a state personal income tax credit for elementary and secondary school personnel for certain expenses incurred for school related supplies for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes tax credit for school personnel, providing tax relief and supporting public education funding through fiscal incentives.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes tax credit for school staff supplies, directly supporting educators with financial relief for educational expenses95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits K-12 Education

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