Education (Higher Education)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 624: Relates to ensuring all students enrolled at state university of New York and city university of New York institutions are able to express themselves freely without fear of intimidation or harm

Relates to requiring the regents to adopt a policy that ensures all students enrolled at state university of New York and city university of New York institutions are able to express themselves freely without fear of intimidation or harm.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates policies protecting student free expression at SUNY/CUNY institutions, advancing educational safety and access in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6605: Requires the state university of New York and the city university of New York to establish courses of study on ethnic studies, women's studies, and social justice

Requires the state university of New York and the city university of New York to establish courses of study on ethnic studies, women's studies, and social justice; requires students to complete at least one three-credit course on ethnic studies, women's studies, or social justice to graduate with a baccalaureate degree.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates specific courses (ethnic studies, women's studies, social justice) and graduation requirement, expanding curriculum content in higher education and enhancing student programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3982: 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 establish a formal appeals process for students denied the in-state tuition rate. It directly affects students who are denied lower in-state tuition (typically for residents) but are denied this status by their institution, regardless of immigration status. Key provisions mandate that each institution set reasonable time limits for filing appeals and responding to them, and post clear information about the process on their websites. The law applies to all public higher education institutions and aims to provide a structured review option for affected students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes appeals process for denied in-state tuition at public colleges, expanding access to affordable higher education by removing financial barriers for students.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationEstablishes an appeals process for in-state tuition denial, explicitly applying 'regardless of immigration status,' protecting access for immigrant students.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid DACA & Dreamers

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 508: Relates to increasing the maximum years of study under the tuition assistance program

This bill increases the maximum number of academic years students can receive tuition assistance under New York's program from four to six years. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in eligible degree programs at New York institutions. Key provisions include raising the limit to six years for standard programs, seven years for programs normally requiring five years, and four years for two-year programs. The change applies to all students receiving aid after the bill's effective date, extending their eligibility period for tuition support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases tuition assistance duration from 4 to 6 years, expanding access to higher education funding for NY students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 27: Provides for tuition assistance program awards for students experiencing homelessness

This bill expands New York's tuition assistance program to include students experiencing homelessness, directly affecting homeless students seeking financial aid for higher education. It modifies eligibility criteria to align with federal definitions under the McKinney-Vento Act and requires a standardized verification process for homelessness status across all tuition assistance programs. The bill also clarifies that homeless students cannot be considered "emancipated" for aid purposes solely based on their homelessness status. These changes aim to streamline access to financial aid for homeless students while ensuring consistent federal-aligned verification.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded tuition assistance program requiring additional budget allocation for homeless students' educational aid, aligning with 'funds essential programs' indicator.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tuition assistance eligibility for homeless students, increasing higher education access and aligning with federal homelessness protections under McKinney-Vento.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tuition aid to homeless students, directly addressing homelessness per McKinney-Vento Act eligibility requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Homelessness

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Dec 8, 2025

A 5320: Provides for tuition assistance program awards for students experiencing homelessness

Bill A 5320 expands tuition assistance eligibility in New York to include students experiencing homelessness, aligning with federal McKinney-Vento Act standards. It requires the state to adopt a uniform verification method for homelessness status using the same federal guidelines applied to student financial aid. The bill also clarifies that homeless students (classified under federal foster care or McKinney-Vento criteria) cannot be considered "emancipated" for aid purposes, ensuring they retain eligibility without requiring parental control relinquishment. This directly affects homeless students seeking state tuition assistance under New York’s education law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded tuition assistance program eligibility, requiring new budget allocation for homeless students' aid verification and distribution under state program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tuition aid eligibility for homeless students, aligning with federal standards to ensure equitable higher education access and funding under McKinney-Vento guidelines.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4813: Prohibits funding of any degree-granting institution of higher education if such institution permits certain organizations on campus

Prohibits state funding of any degree-granting institution of higher education if such institution permits terrorist organizations or activities in support of such organizations on campus; prohibits any student group or organization of receiving funding from the degree-granting institution if such group or organization directly or indirectly promotes, encourages, advocates, or engages in any terrorist advocacy or activities on campus.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationDefunds higher education institutions permitting terrorist activities, restricting funding access as a security condition.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6208: Relates to enacting the free resources for equitable education (FREE) act

Relates to enacting the "free resources for equitable education (FREE) act"; requires State University of New York higher education institutions to designate all general education and 25 percent of all major specific courses as low textbook cost (LTC) or zero textbook cost (ZTC).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates zero/low textbook cost courses to increase access and reduce student financial barriers in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Libraries

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 246: Establishes an advanced coursework and examination access program

Establishes an advanced coursework and examination access program to reimburse exam fees associated with the administration of an advanced coursework exam; defines terms; requires authorized schools to inform students and parents of all advanced coursework programs offered, their cost-free status, and the potential benefits of their successful completion as it relates to college credit and other academic opportunities; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReimburses exam fees for advanced coursework, mandates cost-free program disclosure, and promotes college credit access - directly expanding educational opportunity and access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track

died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3779: Relates to increasing the maximum years of study under the tuition assistance program

S 3779 increases the maximum number of academic years students can receive tuition assistance under New York's program from four to six years. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in eligible two- or four-year colleges who rely on this state-funded aid. The key change extends eligibility periods, with specific provisions for students in remedial programs (counted as five-year programs) and those transferring due to college closures (allowing up to two additional semesters). This update aligns the program with longer degree completion timelines common in higher education.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded tuition assistance program, requiring increased budget allocation for education access and student support.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends tuition aid eligibility from 4 to 6 years, increasing access to higher education funding and reducing financial barriers for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track