Education

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4787: Relates to reporting on swimming education in a public school

Requires the commissioner of education to make a report on the extent of all existing resources and best practices available for swimming instruction classes in public schools and establish a working group on swimming education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates report on swimming resources and working group to improve program quality, supporting educational enhancement in K-12 physical education.75% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 594: Relates to providing universal school meals to students

Requires all public school districts, charter schools and non-public schools in the state that participate in the national school lunch program or school breakfast program as provided in the national child nutrition act to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to the student.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state-funded universal school meals, requiring increased public spending on education services per bill summary.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires universal free school meals for all participating schools, removing cost barriers to student nutrition and access. Directly advances educational access and student well-being.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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signed · New York · Senate Feb 14, 2025

S 803: Authorizes a town with a population between 69,000 and 69,500 to enact a homestead exemption

This bill allows any town in New York with a 2020 census population between 69,000 and 69,500 to create a homestead exemption for real property taxes. It enables qualifying towns to offer an exemption similar to the existing STAR school tax relief program, capping the exemption at $50,000 in property value. Property owners must apply annually using a standard form, and the exemption applies only to eligible homes meeting the same criteria as STAR. This directly affects homeowners in qualifying towns by potentially reducing their local property tax burden.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEnables homestead tax exemption capping at $50k, providing property tax relief for homeowners similar to STAR program, directly advancing tax relief for residents.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes homestead exemption modeled after STAR school tax relief program, directly reducing school tax burdens on homeowners to support local school funding systems.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax relief for homeowners, reducing housing costs and supporting affordability through a homestead exemption similar to STAR program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

in committee · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 6550: Directs the department of social services to establish an outdoor, nature-based child care pilot project

Directs the department of social services to establish an outdoor, nature-based child care pilot project to explore establishing licensing guidelines for the operation of outdoor, nature-based child care programs in an outdoor space and that employ a nature-based early learning curriculum to teach enrolled children.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes nature-based early learning child care program, expanding educational access and enhancing curriculum for preschoolers through licensed outdoor classrooms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Early Childhood

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 17, 2025

A 5403: Enacts the "Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act"

Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by other students on school property or at a school function; requires schools to investigate reports of bullying; requires schools to adopt a written, plain-language anti-bullying and harassment policy; requires school employees to report incidents of bullying or harassment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates anti-bullying policies and reporting to protect students, directly strengthening school safety and student well-being in K-12 education.92% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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signed · New York · Senate Feb 14, 2025

S 747: Relates to veterans tuition awards program eligibility

Relates to veterans tuition awards program eligibility; makes tuition awards available for certain veterans including, but not limited to Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands higher education access for veterans via tuition awards, aligning with 'expands educational access' indicator.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands tuition benefits to veterans of Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan conflicts, directly advancing educational benefits for targeted veteran groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education

passed · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

R 1250: Establishes a list of grantees for certain appropriations for the 2025-26 state fiscal year

This Senate Resolution (R 1250) establishes specific grant allocations for the 2025-26 state fiscal year, directly affecting community organizations providing services in elder guardianship, transgender/non-binary wellness, LGBT health, school health centers, sickle cell care, and veterans' mental health. It requires the Senate to approve a plan listing grantees and funding amounts (e.g., $640,000 to Project Guardianship Inc., $75,000 to University of Rochester's Gender Wellness Program) before funds can be expended. The resolution mandates that all allocations follow a Senate-approved process requiring majority vote on a roll call. It does not create new policy but formalizes existing funding disbursement for designated programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates specific state funds ($640k, $75k) to community organizations for essential public services including elder care and LGBT health, directly advancing budget appropriations for these programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds school health centers and university wellness programs, directly supporting student health services within educational settings per grant allocations.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates funds to LGBT health, veterans' mental health, sickle cell care, and school health centers - directly advancing healthcare services through specific grant funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExplicitly allocates funds for veterans' mental health services in grant allocations, directly advancing veteran healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1200: Allows the granting of academic credit at city or state operated institutions to veterans

This bill (S 1200) allows veterans to earn academic credit at New York State and City University systems for military training they completed. Specifically, full-time undergraduate veterans enrolled in good standing at these institutions can receive full credit toward their degree for military courses meeting American Council on Education standards - without any fees or tuition charges. It applies to veterans who served honorably in active duty, reserves, or New York National Guard/Militia. The law requires university boards to create procedures for implementing this credit transfer.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access for veterans by granting academic credit for military training without fees, aligning with 'expands educational access' indicator.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly grants veterans academic credit for military training without fees, expanding educational benefits for honorably serving veterans at state institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6850: Establishes a state university of New York pilot program to encourage individuals in college to enter the financial planning industry

Establishes a state university of New York career pilot program to encourage individuals in college to enter the financial planning industry; utilizes campus resources to encourage a well-rounded program and diverse student involvement.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes SUNY career pilot program to encourage college students into financial planning, enhancing higher education student opportunities and career pathways.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

R 1231: Amends a plan setting forth an itemized list of grantees for certain appropriations for services and expenses of additional grants-in-aid to certain school districts, public libraries and institutions

This resolution amends the plan for distributing additional state grants to school districts, public libraries, and non-profit organizations for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. It requires that any allocation of these funds must follow a plan approved by the Senate President and Director of Budget, which either lists each recipient and their grant amount or explains the allocation method. The approved plan must then be included in a Senate resolution requiring a majority vote of all elected senators for final approval. This process ensures transparency and legislative oversight in distributing these grants.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates additional state grants to school districts and libraries with transparent distribution requirements, directly advancing educational funding.95% confidence

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