Education (Higher Education)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3076: Enacts the "higher education closure advanced notice act"

Enacts the "higher education closure advanced notice act"; requires an institution of higher education to provide notice of an order of closure that can be reasonably expected to cause an interruption in the continuity of a program of higher education for affected students at least ninety days before such order of closure takes effect; provides exceptions where an institution of higher education is not required to provide notice of such an order of closure at least ninety days before such order of closure takes effect; provides for a civil penalty for violations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires 90-day notice for higher education closures to protect student continuity, preventing abrupt program interruptions and ensuring educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 5, 2026

A 940: Requires the establishment of an appeals process for students who are denied the state resident tuition rate at any public university or college

This bill requires all public universities and community colleges in the state to create a formal appeals process for students denied the in-state tuition rate. It directly affects students who receive a written denial of resident tuition status, regardless of their immigration status. The law mandates institutions establish clear time limits for filing appeals and responding to them, and requires posting detailed appeal information on their websites. The key change is creating a standardized, accessible process for students to challenge tuition classification decisions, without altering the existing eligibility criteria for resident status.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by requiring standardized appeals for in-state tuition denials at public universities, directly addressing barriers to higher education affordability.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill A 940 creates an appeals process for in-state tuition denials for all students, explicitly including those 'regardless of their immigration status,' which can advance immigrant access to higher education.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education DACA & Dreamers

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5739: Creates the New York state public sector employee loan forgiveness program

Creates the New York state public sector employee loan forgiveness program for graduates of SUNY or CUNY schools employed in a state or local public sector position.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill targets SUNY/CUNY graduates (public higher education) for loan forgiveness in public sector jobs, supporting higher education by reducing debt burden for graduates and encouraging workforce participation in public service.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides student loan forgiveness for public sector employees, reducing financial burden and supporting workforce retention in state/local employment roles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6407: Extends the duration of tuition assistance awards to five years

This bill extends the timeframe for using tuition assistance awards from the current duration to five academic years total. It directly affects students receiving state tuition assistance by allowing them to access funds for up to five years of approved education programs. The key provision amends education law to specify that awards under this program must be available for five academic years in aggregate, rather than a shorter period. The change takes effect July 1st following enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends tuition aid duration to five years, increasing access to higher education funding and reducing time pressure on students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2125: Enacts the "fair college admissions act"

Enacts the "fair college admissions act"; prohibits legacy admissions policies at colleges and universities in New York; declares such policies and practices to be discriminatory and inequitable.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProhibits discriminatory legacy admissions in higher education, promoting equitable college access and addressing inequity in admissions practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5121: Relates to affidavits of the lawful immigration status of certain students; repealer

This bill (S 5121) removes a requirement for certain students without lawful immigration status to submit an affidavit confirming they have applied to legalize their status or will do so when eligible. It directly affects undocumented students enrolled in New York State educational institutions. The bill repeals specific sections of the Education Law (including parts of Sections 6206, 661, 6301, and 6455) that previously mandated this affidavit. The change eliminates this administrative step for affected students without altering other tuition or fee policies.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves administrative barrier for undocumented students, expanding educational access by repealing affidavit requirement under Education Law.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationThe bill removes an administrative requirement for undocumented students, directly easing their access to New York State educational institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education DACA & Dreamers

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3587: Relates to prohibiting colleges from denying formerly incarcerated individuals admittance to college based solely on their incarceration

This bill prohibits colleges and universities from denying admission to applicants solely because they have a prior incarceration history. It directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals seeking higher education by ensuring their past incarceration cannot be the sole reason for denial. The law amends education statutes to add a new section (6438-d), explicitly stating that no institution may deny admission based solely on prior incarceration, overriding other conflicting laws. The policy takes effect on July 1st following its enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes education barrier for formerly incarcerated, directly advancing criminal justice reform by promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly expands higher education access by prohibiting admission denial based on incarceration history, directly advancing educational equity for formerly incarcerated individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7372: Relates to student financial aid programs

Relates to student financial aid programs; allows absence because of uniformed service, maternity/paternity, FMLA, or due to compensable injury to be creditable time.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllows creditable time for absences (military, family, injury) in financial aid programs, ensuring continued access to student aid and supporting educational continuity.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allows absence due to uniformed service (military) to count as creditable time in student financial aid, directly supporting veterans' educational access and benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 9, 2026

S 4551: Relates to degree-granting programs offered by SUNY's office of higher education in prison

Creates within SUNY an office of higher education in prison to coordinate access to higher education for individuals during and after incarceration; directs such office to create a plan by 1/1/2029 to establish a degree-granting program in every viable correctional facility in the state; directs such office to enroll at least 2,000 students in degree-granting programs as soon as practicable; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates prison higher education programs to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation, directly advancing criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates SUNY office to expand higher education access for incarcerated individuals, mandating degree programs in correctional facilities and 2,000+ student enrollment, directly advancing educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Higher Education

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3709: Modifies the criteria for granting tuition assistance program awards

This bill modifies New York's tuition assistance program by updating income eligibility thresholds and award amounts. It sets new income ranges for recipients: starting in 2023-2024, applicants must earn $18,000-$100,000 annually, increasing to $18,000-$125,000 by 2026-2027. Award amounts also increase incrementally, from $5,165 (2014-2015) to $6,470 (2026-2027), while maintaining a minimum tuition requirement of $200 per year. The changes directly affect undergraduate and graduate students seeking state tuition aid at approved New York institutions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding for tuition assistance by raising award amounts and expanding income eligibility ranges, directly advancing public education budget allocation.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases tuition assistance award amounts and expands income eligibility thresholds ($18k-$125k by 2026), directly enhancing financial access to higher education for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track