Education

in committee · New York · Assembly May 14, 2026

A 10618: Relates to reimbursement for nonpublic school safety equipment grants

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures timely reimbursement for teacher hiring grants and safety equipment, supporting educator recruitment and school infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 24, 2026

S 9556: Establishes open enrollment schools

Establishes open enrollment schools; provides that nonresidents of a district, if otherwise eligible to enroll into a public school of this state are entitled to enroll into the school or schools of another district or city if the nonresident district's board of education has adopted an open enrollment policy and enrolling the nonresident pupil is consistent with such policy.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by allowing nonresidents to enroll in public schools, increasing opportunities for students across districts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 13, 2026

A 10551: Designates the state university of New York college at Geneseo as New York's public honors college

This bill officially designates the State University of New York College at Geneseo as New York's public honors college. It codifies the college's mission to provide a distinctive, academically rigorous liberal arts education focused on excellence, success, and access for high-ability students. The legislation adds Geneseo to the official list of institutions within the State University of New York system and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill designates SUNY Geneseo as public honors college, strengthening higher education access and academic excellence for high-ability students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 20, 2026

A 10681: Relates to preventing lead exposure in school drinking water through risk-based certified point-of-use filtration

Directs school districts and boards of cooperative educational services to implement certified point-of-use lead removal filtration devices when an elevated risk for lead exposure is identified; allows for the discontinuance of use of such filtration devices once certain requirements are met.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school infrastructure by requiring lead filtration, protecting student health and creating safer learning environments.85% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 13, 2026

A 10617: Extends the amount of time for the board of regents to approve and issue a charter that has been resubmitted by a charter entity

This bill extends the deadline for the Board of Regents to approve or issue a charter after a charter entity resubmits it following a previous rejection. Previously, the Board had 30 days to act on a resubmitted charter, but this legislation increases that timeframe to 90 days. The change applies specifically to charter schools that have already had their charter proposals returned and are now resubmitting them with modifications or without changes. By lengthening the review period, the bill gives the Board more time to evaluate resubmitted charter applications before they are automatically approved if no decision is made within the deadline.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill extends review time for charter school resubmissions, reducing administrative barriers and potentially increasing educational access for charter schools.75% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 10656: Provides for tuition assistance program awards for students experiencing homelessness

This bill expands tuition assistance awards to students experiencing homelessness by allowing them to qualify for financial aid without parental income consideration. It requires the state education commissioner to establish verification methods that align with federal standards for identifying homeless students under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Additionally, the bill clarifies that students who have already qualified as orphans, foster children, or wards of the court cannot be considered emancipated for financial aid purposes, ensuring they maintain access to support. The changes take effect on July 1 following the bill's passage and apply to students applying for state-funded tuition assistance programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tuition assistance for homeless students, increasing funding for essential education services and protecting vulnerable populations from financial barriers.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands tuition assistance for homeless students, removing parental income barriers and aligning with federal standards to improve educational access.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses homelessness by expanding tuition assistance for homeless students, aligning with McKinney-Vento Act standards, which supports housing-related assistance programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Homelessness

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signed · New York · Senate Aug 14, 2026

S 9528: Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Ithaca

This bill authorizes the city of Ithaca to implement a demonstration program using speed cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits and hold vehicle owners financially responsible for violations. The program would allow the city to install photo monitoring systems in up to twelve school zones, with strict rules requiring annual calibration, operator training, and advance public signage. Images captured by the cameras would generally not identify drivers or passengers and would be destroyed after legal cases are resolved, with limited exceptions for law enforcement investigations. The authorization for this demonstration program would expire on December 31, 2030.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement by implementing speed cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits and hold violators accountable, supporting public safety and criminal justice enforcement.65% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school safety through speed cameras, protecting students and enhancing educational environment75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by implementing speed cameras in school zones, strengthening enforcement of speed limits and protecting pedestrians.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Traffic Safety

passed · New York · Senate Apr 21, 2026

J 1780: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 6, 2026, as School Nurse Day in the State of New York

This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 11, 2026, as School Nurse Day. It directly affects school nurses across the state by creating an official date to honor their work. The resolution does not change laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of school nurses in student health and education. A copy of the resolution will be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul for her signature and proclamation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors school nurses who support student health and education, indirectly strengthening educational access and student well-being.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 3, 2026

A 10401: Relates to pupil transportation

This bill allows New York school districts to use existing private transportation contractors from other districts to transport their students, a practice known as "piggybacking," if doing so results in cost savings and meets safety standards. It authorizes school boards to enter into these agreements with the commissioner's approval and defines the types of transportation contracts and vehicles covered under the new rules. Additionally, the legislation updates legal definitions related to school buses, drivers, and motor carriers, while requiring annual reviews of bus driver driving records to ensure safety compliance. The changes directly affect school districts, transportation contractors, and drivers involved in student transportation logistics.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables cost savings through shared transportation resources, improving efficiency and potentially freeing funds for other educational needs while maintaining safety standards.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables cost-saving piggybacking arrangements for school transportation, improving efficiency and maintaining safety standards while expanding transportation options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Public Transit

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 13, 2026

A 10631: Allows home-schooled children to participate in interscholastic athletic activities and drivers ed in the district where they reside

This bill allows home-schooled children living in a school district to join interscholastic sports and driver's education classes offered by that district. The main provision permits these students to participate in athletic activities and courses if they meet the standard requirements and pay any applicable fees, as long as they do not attend another school within the same district. The law also specifies that this option becomes available only when the district actually offers these programs. The changes would take effect approximately 120 days after the bill is signed into law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by allowing home-schooled students to participate in district sports and driver's ed programs, enhancing student opportunities.90% confidence

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