Directs the state to provide annual base funding to community colleges operating under the university of the state of New York; requires funding to be indexed to inflation; requires annual reporting.
Prohibits certain punishments and interventions in schools including corporal punishment, chemical restraints, mechanical restraints and other aversive interventions; authorizes limited use of timeouts and necessary physical restraints; creates a private right of action for violations.
This bill exempts sales tax on school supplies purchased between the fourth Thursday in August and the first Monday in September. It directly affects families buying items like backpacks, notebooks, art supplies, and computers priced under $3,000 during this specific back-to-school window. The law covers classroom essentials including pencils, calculators, glue, and writing instruments, as listed in the bill text. This policy change removes sales tax liability for these purchases during the designated period, providing a temporary financial benefit for households.
Relates to school districts evaluating capital improvement projects for such school district in the state for: compliance with the New York state climate leadership and community protection act, upgrading heating, ventilation or air conditioning to be more energy efficient, including, but not limited to upgrading to an active solar heating system; installing solar panels or other sources of alternative energy; improving broadband accessibility and reliability; upgrading technology so that it is more resistant to security risks; structural improvements, including, but not limited to windows, roofs, foundations and walls; purchasing hybrid or electric school buses; and upgrading plumbing and electrical systems.
Prohibits the use of certain restraints and aversive interventions against students; includes policies and procedures for responding to students who have mental health crises in school safety plans; provides that no student shall be subjected to chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, or seclusion on school property; requires the board of education or trustees of each public school and school district to develop a procedure to notify the parent or legal guardian of a student on the same day a physical restraint is applied on such student, such student is placed in a time out room, or such student is subjected to a prohibited form of discipline.
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.
Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.
Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.
S 3249 expands driver education options in New York by adding licensed state driving schools to the list of approved providers, alongside high schools and colleges. It directly affects minors seeking driver's licenses (Class D/M) by allowing them to complete approved courses at these driving schools, with specific provisions for two religious schools (Yeshiva of Staten Island and Hebrew Academy of Nassau County) to offer courses at non-traditional locations. Key provisions require classroom training by state-approved instructors, permit school districts to contract with driving schools for behind-the-wheel training, and allow students in approved courses to operate vehicles under instructor supervision during training. The bill mandates certification of course completion by the commissioner and updates licensing requirements for minors.
This bill directs New York's education commissioner to create a statewide pilot program improving social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools, requiring every school district to implement it in at least one school within 12 months. The program must use pre-tested SEL curricula meeting specific standards (including evidence from federal clearinghouses and community service components) and be delivered through approved community organizations. All participating schools must integrate SEL into lessons or standalone classes for students from pre-K through 12th grade. The program will be evaluated by the state education department, with a final report due by July 2029, and is funded through state appropriations with an expiration date of August 2029.
