Education

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9298: Enacts the "next-gen civics act"

Enacts the "next-gen civics act" to provide education to students in grades nine through twelve on civic education; provides that such instruction shall include, but not be limited to, a hands-on, project-based curriculum where students shall apply what they learn through activities that include, but are not limited to, mock elections, community projects, and policy simulations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates project-based civic education curriculum for grades 9-12, enhancing student engagement and practical learning in civics per bill requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9366: Provides for procedures and restrictions regarding the discovery and disclosure of immigration status by the state and city universities of New York

This bill restricts New York State University (SUNY) police and employees from engaging with federal immigration enforcement. It prohibits them from asking about immigration status, notifying immigration authorities about campus individuals, transferring custody to immigration officials without a court order, or entering immigration status into databases. Key provisions require written consent forms (in multiple languages) for any immigration-related interviews and ban using immigration officials as interpreters. The law directly affects SUNY campus staff and aims to protect students, faculty, and visitors from campus-based immigration enforcement actions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRestricts disclosure of immigration status to protect student access to SUNY institutions, enhancing educational access and safety for undocumented students.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRestricts SUNY from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, requiring consent for interviews and banning status disclosure - protects immigrant rights on campus per bill A 9366.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education DACA & Dreamers Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 9379: Establishes a master of social work paid field practicum pilot program

Establishes a master of social work paid field practicum pilot program to provide a stipend to students who are enrolled in a master of social work program for the first 450 hours of field practicum completed towards such masters' degree; requires the office of mental health to complete a report making recommendations on how to expand the pilot program to increase the number of social workers in the state, improve representation in the field of social work, mitigate student debt and improve labor conditions for social workers upon graduation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides stipends to MSW students for field work, reducing debt and expanding workforce in higher education, directly supporting graduate student access and professional development.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds MSW field work stipends to expand mental health workforce, directly aligning with healthcare support indicators for mental health services and workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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failed · New York · Assembly Apr 22, 2026

A 9306: Relates to requiring the board of regents to obtain legislative approval of any rule or regulation containing an unfunded mandate

This bill (A 9306) requires New York's Board of Regents to obtain legislative approval before adopting any rule or regulation that imposes an unfunded mandate on school districts. An unfunded mandate is defined as a rule requiring schools to provide new programs, higher service levels, or changes that create net additional costs without state funding - such as increased expenses or potential property tax impacts. The key mechanism mandates that such rules cannot take effect without a majority vote in the state legislature. This directly affects school districts by preventing new financial burdens from being imposed without elected official review. The bill is procedural, focusing on the approval process rather than creating new educational policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPrevents unfunded mandates that could impose costs on school districts without state funding, protecting against potential property tax increases and promoting fiscal responsibility.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill prevents unfunded mandates on school districts, protecting them from new costs without state funding. This safeguards school funding, a core aspect of education policy, aligning with 'protect' under 'support'.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9402: Relates to providing a waiver from SUNY application fees for veterans

This bill waives application fees for veterans applying to State University of New York (SUNY) schools. Eligible veterans must provide proof of veteran status and eligibility for benefits to receive the fee exemption. The law directly affects veterans seeking admission to SUNY institutions by removing a financial barrier during the application process. The provision applies to all SUNY campuses and requires veterans to submit documentation verifying their eligibility.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationWaives SUNY application fees for veterans, removing financial barriers to higher education access per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill waives SUNY application fees for veterans, removing financial barriers to education access and directly expanding veterans' benefits as per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Veteran Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9382: Allows the granting of academic credit at city or state operated institutions to veterans

This bill requires New York State and city universities to grant academic credits to veterans without fees or tuition for military training courses meeting American Council on Education standards. It directly affects veterans enrolled full-time as undergraduates in good standing at state or city university systems. Key provisions mandate that institutions award unlimited credits toward degrees for qualifying military training, eliminating any cost to veterans for these credits. The law applies to veterans who served honorably in active military service or are part of New York's National Guard or Naval Militia.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEliminates fees for veterans' military training credits at state universities, expanding access to higher education without cost barriers.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates unlimited academic credits without fees for veterans' military training, directly expanding educational benefits and removing financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9361: Directs MTA to establish free bus fares for high school students

This bill requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to create a free bus fare program for all high school students attending accredited public or non-public schools in New York City. It mandates that the program operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during regular bus service hours, without limiting it to off-peak times. The MTA chair must establish rules to implement the program, which would take effect January 1st after enactment. The bill directly affects NYC high school students by eliminating bus fare costs during specified hours.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides free bus fares for high school students, removing transportation barriers and directly enhancing educational access to K-12 schools.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates free MTA bus fares for high school students, expanding public transit access and funding directly through the MTA's program implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Transportation Public Transit

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 7, 2026

A 9385: Relates to due process rights for non-public school students with special needs

This bill ensures students with disabilities attending non-public schools in New York have the same due process rights and equitable access to special education services as students in public schools. It requires school districts to create individualized education service plans (IESPs) for these students and allows parents to challenge decisions through established due process procedures. The bill clarifies deadlines for parents to request services (by June 1st for the next school year, or within 30 days of disability identification/residence change) and specifies that the student's district of residence must provide these services directly or via contract.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnsures equitable access to special education services and due process rights for non-public school students with disabilities, strengthening educational access and protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9290: Requires silent alarms to be installed in all school classrooms

This bill requires all public and nonpublic schools in New York State to install silent alarm systems in every classroom. The systems must include a button teachers can press to alert local law enforcement and school administrators during emergencies, without producing any audible sound. It defines "silent alarm" specifically as a security system that triggers silent alerts to authorities. The mandate applies to all school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools, with installations required in locations easily accessible to teachers. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates silent alarm systems in all school classrooms to enhance emergency response safety infrastructure, directly supporting school protection within education policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8597: Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education due to citizenship or immigration status

Prohibits children from being denied access to a free public education on account of perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status or the perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status of their parents or person in a parental relationship.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly prohibits denying K-12 education access based on immigration status, directly expanding educational access as defined in the topic description.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill explicitly prohibits denying public education access based on immigration status, directly protecting immigrant children's rights to education services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics DACA & Dreamers Driver Licenses & IDs Sanctuary Policies

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