This bill expands New York's veterans tuition awards program by allowing qualified veterans to transfer unused education benefits to eligible family members. It directly affects veterans who served at least 10 years (with exceptions for certain discharges) but didn't use their full tuition benefit, enabling them to transfer it to a spouse, child, or surviving financial dependent who lives in New York. Key provisions include requiring children receiving transfers to be under 26, capping annual transfers at 100, and establishing application rules for the transfer process. The bill repeals outdated language about "survivor" definitions and updates eligibility terms to clarify who qualifies for these transferred benefits.
Directs the commissioner of education to develop curriculum for firearm safety classes in schools; provides for schools to be able to provide firearm safety instruction which can be used to obtain a hunting license.
This bill removes a requirement that applicants for New York's Opportunity Promise Scholarship must not already hold a postsecondary degree. It directly affects students who previously earned a degree (e.g., a bachelor's) but now qualify if they enroll in an associate degree program at a SUNY or CUNY community college. The key change amends eligibility rules to allow these students to apply, while maintaining other requirements like enrollment in a high-demand field (e.g., nursing, cybersecurity, or teaching) and tuition residency rates. The bill takes effect immediately, applying to the 2025-2026 academic year.
This bill (A 10085) raises the income eligibility cap for New York's Excelsior Scholarship program from $125,000 to $150,000 for academic years starting in 2026-2027 and beyond. It directly affects students applying for the scholarship who must meet income requirements based on their adjusted gross income (including parents' or spouse's income). The key provision increases the maximum income threshold for qualification, expanding access to the scholarship for higher-income students who previously exceeded the limit. This change applies to all future academic years after 2025-2026, as specified in the bill's text.
Establishes a competitive emergency mapping grant program which will provide grants to school districts or boards of cooperative educational services to upgrade their floor plans, blueprints, schematics or other maps of their school interior, school grounds and road maps of the immediate surrounding area included in their building level emergency response plans.
Enacts the "student safety, parent notification, and transparency act" in relation to parent notification, documentation, review, and reporting required when physical restraint or force is used on a student.
Expands eligibility for the tuition assistance program by restoring eligibility to graduate students; makes optional semesters, quarters or terms eligible for awards.
This bill prohibits schools in the state from using timeout boxes, closets, or any other secluded physical enclosures to isolate children. It applies to all schools covered under the law, including public schools, charter schools, special education programs, and certain private schools. The law specifically bans physical isolation methods like padded rooms or structures designed to confine students alone. This is a direct policy change that eliminates a specific restraint practice in educational settings.
This resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2026 as Mentoring Month in New York State, aligning with National Mentoring Month. It does not create new laws but requests the Governor issue a ceremonial proclamation to raise awareness about mentoring's role in supporting youth development. The resolution cites statistics showing mentoring improves college enrollment, leadership opportunities, and community engagement for at-risk youth and first-generation students. It directly affects New York residents by encouraging statewide recognition of mentoring programs, though the Governor's proclamation itself would have no legal effect.
This bill establishes school-based food pantries in New York City schools to provide free, nutritious food to students and their families outside of regular meal times. It requires the school chancellor to prioritize high-need schools when implementing the program and mandates that these pantries operate on school premises during designated times without disrupting instructional activities. The legislation encourages partnerships with local food organizations for technical assistance and food donations while requiring strict guidelines to ensure student dignity, food safety, and volunteer-led operations. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting to state and city officials on the number of participating schools and the families served.
