Education

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 591: Requires kindergarten instruction for Rockland and Westchester counties for minors who are five years of age on or before December first

This bill requires public school districts in Rockland and Westchester counties to provide kindergarten instruction to children who turn five years old on or before December 1st. It does not apply to children whose parents choose to delay enrollment until September, nor to students in private schools or receiving home instruction. The law would take effect on July 1st following its enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates kindergarten instruction for eligible students in specified counties, expanding access to early education without restrictions or defunding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3095: Relates to the investment of funds wagered on video lottery gaming for certain horse races; repealer

This bill modifies how revenue from video lottery gaming at New York racetracks is allocated. It directs specific percentages of wagered funds (after prizes) to two main purposes: 6.5% to 7.5% annually for school districts (including those serving students with disabilities), and 4% for racetrack capital improvements like facility upgrades and an equine drug testing lab. The funds for education go into the state lottery fund for school grants, while the racing-related allocations support track maintenance, purse enhancements, and jockey health insurance. It directly affects Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga racetracks and public schools receiving lottery grants.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates 6.5-7.5% of video lottery revenue to school districts, directly funding public education through state lottery fund appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates 6.5-7.5% of video lottery funds to school districts (including special education) via state lottery fund for grants, directly increasing education funding.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7046: Provides test preparation for certain students intending to apply to take the specialized high school admissions test

This bill requires school officials in New York City (population over 1 million) to create a free test preparation program for 7th and 8th graders planning to take the specialized high school admissions test. The program must be offered during regular school hours at no cost to students. It specifically targets students in grades 7-8 who intend to apply for admission to specialized high schools. The bill directs the chancellor to establish this program in coordination with local school authorities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires free test prep during school hours for 7-8th graders targeting specialized high school admissions, expanding educational access and preparation opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 883: Appropriates monies for funding day care services to children of persons 24 and under to enable such persons to continue education; appropriation

Provides funds for day care services for the children of persons 24 and under to enable such persons to continue secondary and post-secondary education; provides criteria to be governed by standards established for economically and educationally disadvantaged students under special opportunity programs for state and city universities; appropriates $5,600,000 to the office of children and family services therefor.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $5.6M for day care services enabling education, directly funding a public service under budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds childcare for students under 24 to enable continued education, directly removing barriers and expanding access through $5.6M appropriation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3196: Establishes mandatory training for every high school guidance counselor relating to assisting students with autism spectrum disorder

Establishes mandatory training for every high school guidance counselor relating to assisting students with autism spectrum disorder; requires high school guidance counselors to receive training at least once a year on the special needs of students with autism spectrum disorder and how to assist such students in the transition from high school to higher education or employment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates annual training for counselors to support autistic students' transitions, enhancing educational support services for special needs students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4495: Authorizes a distinctive "guardians for schools" license plate; and establishes the guardians for schools fund

This bill creates a special "guardians for schools" license plate for New York residents. Owners pay a $25 annual fee on top of standard registration, with all fees deposited into the "guardians for schools fund." The fund must be used exclusively for school security improvements, including school resource officers, security training, mental health services, metal detectors, and security cameras. Funds cannot be diverted to the general state budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund via $25 license plate fee for school security improvements, explicitly funding essential public safety programs without general budget diversion.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates dedicated fund for school security improvements (resource officers, mental health, etc.), directly funding K-12 safety infrastructure through new license plate fees.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly allocates funds to school mental health services via the 'guardians for schools fund', directly advancing healthcare support as per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Safety

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2237: Enacts the "fair college admissions act"

Enacts the "fair college admissions act"; prohibits legacy admissions policies at colleges and universities in New York; declares such policies and practices to be discriminatory and inequitable.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProhibits legacy admissions in NY colleges, aiming to eliminate discriminatory practices and expand equitable access to higher education - directly advancing educational access within the topic scope.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4589: Increases the total awards of the Senator Patricia K. McGee nursing faculty scholarship program

Increases the total awards of the Senator Patricia K. McGee nursing faculty scholarship program by covering the total cost of a recipient's academic program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases funding for nursing faculty scholarship program, directly advancing higher education support through expanded financial aid for educators.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds nursing education to expand healthcare workforce, directly strengthening healthcare services through workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4549: Establishes the SUNY downstate medical support fund

Establishes the SUNY downstate medical support fund to provide financial support for infrastructural upgrades and expansion; facilitates research and development grants in medical and health-related fields; offers scholarships and financial aid; supports community health initiatives and outreach programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides scholarships, infrastructure funding, and R&D grants for SUNY medical programs, directly advancing higher education funding and access through financial support mechanisms.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a fund for medical infrastructure, research grants, scholarships, and community health initiatives - directly advancing healthcare funding and services per indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3435: Relates to including at least one person who is familiar with the needs of students with disabilities in the development of school safety plans

Relates to including at least one person who is familiar with the needs of students with disabilities in the development of school safety plans; provides that building-level response plans shall include a list including each student with a disability enrolled at the site together with information from the student's individualized education program (IEP) that is relevant to ensuring the student's safety and the role of the staff member responsible for assisting the student in an emergency.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates inclusion of disability needs in school safety plans, protecting students with disabilities through IEP integration and staff roles, aligning with educational safety protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Special Education

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