Relates to requiring the commissioner of education to create a competition among SUNY and CUNY schools with prizes going to the schools that produce the most cost-efficient method of reducing CO2 emissions; the top three schools shall receive a cash prize which shall be used to improve environmental programs at the university.
This bill expands approved driver education providers in New York to include licensed driving schools (after commissioner approval), alongside high schools and colleges. It requires classroom instruction to be taught by instructors approved by both the state education department and motor vehicle commissioner. School districts may now contract with licensed driving schools for behind-the-wheel training, and students in these courses may operate vehicles under supervision without a license during instruction. The bill specifically allows two religious schools to offer driver education in certain locations during non-school hours, but its primary focus is adding driving schools to the approved provider list.
Enables public libraries to access employment preparation education (EPE) funds to provide adult literacy education; sets aside one million dollars to be awarded through a competitive grant process; provides that half of such appropriation shall be set aside for libraries serving a population of one million or more.
This bill changes the law to require all public and non-public schools in New York State to keep epinephrine devices on-site in every instructional facility. Previously, schools were only permitted to have these emergency medications, but this amendment makes their presence mandatory for any student or staff member experiencing anaphylactic symptoms. The state commissioner of education, working with the commissioner of health, will determine the specific types and quantities of devices needed to ensure ready access during emergencies.
Imposes an additional two percent sales tax on retail sales of motor vehicles over $70,000, excluding commercial vehicles and electric vehicles, jewelry over $5,000 and articles of clothing, footwear, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets or watches sold for over $1,000; provides that such tax shall be distributed equally to the credit of the state university of New York and the city university of New York.
Requires the commissioner of environmental conservation to promote education in hunting, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education courses.
This bill raises the age limit for certain education programs from 21 to 22 years for students with disabilities as defined in education law. It updates multiple sections of the education code to extend eligibility for high school diplomas (for students in state facilities or correctional settings), transportation services, and related benefits. The change specifically applies to students with disabilities covered under Section 4401 of the education law. It modifies existing eligibility rules without creating new programs or benefits.
This bill expands New York's paid family leave program to include attendance at a child's individualized education program (IEP) meeting as a covered reason for leave. It allows eligible workers to use up to three hours of paid leave per IEP meeting to participate in planning their child's special education services. The change directly affects parents or caregivers of children with special needs who require school-based educational planning. The key provision amends the definition of "family leave" to explicitly include IEP meetings under the existing paid leave framework. This creates a concrete policy change allowing workers to take paid time off for this specific educational meeting without losing pay.
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.
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.
