This bill protects library access to electronic books and digital audiobooks by prohibiting restrictive clauses in contracts between publishers and libraries. It directly affects public libraries, school libraries, academic institutions, and other library types by banning terms that limit lending, loan periods, interlibrary loans, or the use of security measures for digital materials. The law declares contracts containing these prohibited provisions unenforceable and allows libraries, borrowers, or the attorney general to seek legal remedies, including civil penalties for violations.
Relates to appropriations to the Barker central school district following the cessation of operations of an electric generating facility located within such district; permits awards for a period of ten years for the loss of tax revenue.
This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize March 2026 as Music in Our Schools Month, aligning with the national observance of the same period. The resolution directs the governor to issue a proclamation celebrating music education programs in schools across New York State. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the importance of music education. The measure was adopted by the Assembly and transmitted to the governor for her signature.
Authorizes licensed occupational therapists who are members of the faculty of a college or university with an accredited occupational therapy program to create a university faculty practice corporation for occupational therapy students to receive clinical instruction.
This bill raises the income limit for the Excelsior scholarship in New York State from $125,000 to $150,000 for academic years starting in 2026-2027 and continuing forward. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing undergraduate degrees at public New York colleges and universities who meet specific enrollment and credit completion requirements. By increasing the income cap, the bill allows more middle-income families to qualify for the award, which is calculated based on the combined adjusted gross income of the student and their parents or spouse. The change applies to all future applicants without altering other eligibility criteria such as credit requirements or enrollment standards.
Relates to the computation of building aid for the Arlington central school district; authorizes multi-year cost allowances to be established and used three times in a five-year period for construction, reconstruction or modernizing of one project by the Arlington central school district.
This bill directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare March 2026 as Youth Art Month in New York State. The resolution recognizes the importance of art education for students and aligns with the national observance of Youth Art Month. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to highlight the value of art programs in schools. The measure is transmitted to the Governor and the New York State Art Teachers Association for their records.
This bill expands eligibility for state child care assistance to include families with incomes up to 85% of the state median income, not just those currently receiving public assistance. It allows child care support for parents working, attending school, or transitioning off public assistance, and guarantees 12 to 24 months of care for families who recently lost public assistance due to increased work or income. The bill also requires the state to split its child care block grant between statewide programs for quality improvement and direct assistance to low-income families, with performance standards that could result in withheld funding for agencies that do not meet placement and support goals.
Prohibits mobile sports wagering operators or platform providers from permitting, accepting, or facilitating the placement of a sports wager through a mobile application or platform from any individual on a college campus in the state; requires mobile sports betting platforms to implement geofencing restrictions on campuses and properties; limits exposure to gambling for college-aged students; reduces distractions in academic settings.
Provides that reimbursement payable for grants for nonpublic school safety equipment shall be paid within twelve months of the nonpublic school furnishing all required application materials for such grant to the department of education; requires the commissioner of education to report on any such reimbursements payable.
