Education (Higher Education)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2637: Establishes the "Hunger-Free Campus Act"

The Hunger-Free Campus Act (S 2637) creates a grant program for public colleges and universities to address student food insecurity. To qualify, campuses must meet specific requirements, including establishing student-led hunger task forces, providing SNAP enrollment assistance, operating on-campus food pantries, and conducting annual student hunger surveys. Grants fund initiatives like meal donation programs, SNAP outreach, and awareness campaigns to support students' basic food needs. The program requires institutions to report on grant usage and outcomes to the state education commissioner, with priority given to schools with high Pell Grant enrollment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates state grant program funding campus food insecurity initiatives, increasing government spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds campus initiatives to address student food insecurity, directly supporting educational access and student well-being in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Student Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2059: Relates to a free or reduced meal plan for certain students enrolled at state and city universities

Directs the boards of trustees of SUNY and CUNY to create a free or reduced meal plan to aid students whose household incomes are below the federal poverty line, students participating in educational opportunity programs under section three hundred fifty-five-d of this article and students receiving federal Pell grants.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides free/reduced meal plans for low-income university students, directly enhancing educational access and reducing financial barriers to higher education participation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Student Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6510: Establishes a Black Leadership Institute within the state university of New York

Establishes a Black Leadership Institute within the state university of New York as an initiative for Black leaders in higher education with a mission to retain and grow from within SUNY a greater proportion of Black professionals at SUNY campuses; creates an eight member advisory council.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes Black Leadership Institute to increase Black professional representation in SUNY leadership, promoting diversity and equity in higher education access and retention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3099: Relates to certain student organizations which are ineligible for funding

Prohibits certain student organizations which participate in discrimination or intolerance from receiving funding from SUNY, CUNY or community colleges.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill prohibits funding for discriminatory student organizations at public colleges, protecting educational environment from discrimination. Aligns with 'protect' under support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2094: Requires the state to provide state funds to community colleges for additional operating costs associated with an increase in the state minimum wage

Requires the state to provide state funds to community colleges for additional operating costs associated with an increase in the state minimum wage; requires the board of trustees of community colleges to report to the state comptroller on an annual basis the amount of such additional operating costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state funding for community college operating costs tied to minimum wage increase, directly allocating public funds to cover essential service costs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill requires state funds for community college operating costs due to minimum wage increase, directly funding higher education institutions.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill ensures funding for community colleges facing higher costs due to minimum wage increases, enabling wage hikes without institutional budget strain.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Higher Education Minimum Wage

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7485: Relates to authorizing community colleges offering an associates degree program in nursing to offer a four-year bachelors degree program in nursing

This bill allows community colleges that currently offer associate degree nursing programs to also provide four-year bachelor's degree nursing programs. It directly affects these community colleges and their nursing students by expanding educational pathways without requiring separate state approval. The key provision amends education law to remove existing barriers, stating community colleges may offer the four-year degree "notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation." This creates a clear legal mechanism for colleges to expand nursing education at their campuses. The bill is pending in the Higher Education committee as of March 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes barriers for community colleges to offer four-year nursing degrees, expanding educational pathways and access for nursing students without additional approval.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands nursing education pathways at community colleges, directly supporting healthcare workforce development by enabling more nursing professionals without additional approval barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4800: Enacts tuition-free NY to provide free tuition at SUNY, CUNY and community colleges

Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnacts tuition-free higher education at state schools, expanding access for NY residents and requiring post-graduation employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 331: Creates a commission to evaluate the need for community colleges to participate in the educational opportunity program

This bill creates a temporary commission to study whether 12 SUNY community colleges should join the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides financial and academic support to disadvantaged students. The commission will evaluate how EOP participation affects transfer students from these colleges who seek support at four-year schools. It must report recommendations to state leaders within one year, with no direct policy changes enacted by the bill itself. The focus is on assessing current eligibility barriers for students at the 12 non-participating community colleges.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates commission to evaluate expanding EOP participation for disadvantaged students, indicating intent to strengthen support systems and improve access to higher education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4781: Enacts tuition-free NY to provide free tuition at SUNY, CUNY and community colleges

Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMakes tuition free at public colleges for NY residents, expanding higher education access and reducing financial barriers to college enrollment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5727: Provides an itemized deduction for expenses for course-mandated supplies for eligible college students paid by taxpayers

This bill creates a new tax deduction for taxpayers who pay for required college course supplies (like textbooks or lab materials). It allows a deduction equal to 25% of these expenses in 2001, increasing to 50% in 2002, 75% in 2003, and 100% for all years after 2003. The deduction applies only to taxpayers who do not claim a separate credit for college expenses under another tax provision. It directly affects college students' families or individuals who pay for these mandatory supplies out of pocket.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax deduction for college supplies, reducing taxable income for families - direct tax relief aligning with support indicators.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tax relief for college course supplies, reducing financial barriers for students and supporting higher education access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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