Education

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 13, 2026

S 9896: Permits persons 65 years of age to enroll in a limited number of state university and city university courses for credit without tuition

This bill allows New York State residents aged 65 and older to enroll in up to nine credit hours of courses at state and city universities without paying tuition. The provision applies to both the State University of New York system and the City University of New York, permitting these seniors to take classes for academic credit. Eligible individuals must be state residents, and the bill specifies that this tuition waiver takes effect starting April 1 of the following year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access for seniors by allowing tuition-free enrollment in university courses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Tags Seniors

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 8, 2026

A 10862: Includes a component on water safety in kindergarten through twelfth grade

This bill requires New York State schools to include water safety education for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. It mandates that the state's education board ensure lessons cover identifying drowning risks, understanding safe behaviors for children and adults, and learning how to respond to water emergencies. The law gives the board flexibility to integrate these lessons into existing classes through methods like interactive assemblies or in-classroom activities. Once passed, the education board will create specific rules to guide how schools implement this new curriculum.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates water safety education in K-12 schools, expanding student programs and enhancing safety curriculum.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

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passed · New York · Assembly Apr 20, 2026

K 1132: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 4, 2026, as School Librarian Day in the State of New York

This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize April 4, 2026, as School Librarian Day in New York. The resolution honors school librarians for their role in supporting student learning, critical thinking, and access to information. It does not change laws or create new programs; it simply directs the governor to issue a proclamation acknowledging the profession. The measure affects only the state's official calendar and does not involve funding or policy changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors school librarians for supporting student learning and critical thinking, enhancing educational access without restricting or defunding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 24, 2026

A 11073: Provides for the use of rooms within a public school at a reasonable rate

This bill allows public school districts to charge a reasonable fee for renting out school rooms to outside groups. The primary change requires that rental rates be set high enough to cover all expenses incurred by the school. Additionally, the law mandates that any student living in the district cannot be excluded from attending a school event held in a rented room simply because they do not attend that specific school. The legislation applies to all groups using school facilities for the purposes listed in the education law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allows schools to generate revenue by renting facilities and ensures district students cannot be excluded from events, enhancing access and funding.85% confidence

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passed · New York · Assembly Apr 27, 2026

K 1201: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 24-30, 2026, as Student Leadership Week in the State of New York

This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare April 24-30, 2026, as Student Leadership Week in New York. The resolution recognizes the importance of student leaders in schools and communities and aligns the state with the national Student Leadership Week celebration. It does not change laws or create new programs but serves as a formal acknowledgment of student contributions. The bill is directed at the governor and affects students, schools, and community organizations by encouraging recognition of their leadership efforts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes student leadership and recognizes student contributions, aligning with enhancing student programs.75% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 28, 2026

A 11157: Establishes representative requirements for district leadership teams and school leadership teams

This bill requires district and school leadership teams in New York City to include student representatives as members. High school students will be appointed to district teams by the community superintendent, while other students will be appointed to individual school teams by the team's chairperson or co-chairperson. The changes take effect ninety days after the law is passed, allowing time for necessary administrative rules to be updated.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands student involvement in school governance, enhancing educational access and student programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

J 1965: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as School Library Month in the State of New York

This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as School Library Month in New York. The resolution highlights the importance of school libraries and certified librarians in supporting student learning and development. It does not change any laws or create new programs, but instead serves as a formal acknowledgment of the value of school library programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill designates April 2026 as School Library Month to highlight the importance of libraries and librarians in student learning, signaling strong support for educational infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

J 1999: Commending Fatemeh Sima Amiri upon the occasion of winning the inaugural New York State of Poetry prize

This Senate Resolution formally commends Fatemeh Sima Amiri, a 10th-grade student from Shaker High School in Albany, for winning the inaugural New York State of Poetry prize. The bill recognizes her achievement in a program designed to engage high school students across New York in reading and writing poetry through the New York State Council on the Arts and the Teachers and Writers Collaborative. As a procedural measure, the resolution does not alter laws or budgets but instead honors Amiri and directs that a copy of the document be sent to her.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors a student for winning a poetry prize, directly supporting student engagement and educational programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 14, 2026

A 10968: Requires training of teachers in dyslexia identification

This bill mandates that teachers of kindergarten through fifth grade complete specific training on identifying dyslexia to obtain or renew their certification. The required training must be provided by the Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, which will set standards for the curriculum, duration, and provider qualifications. Once enacted, the commissioner of education will issue regulations to enforce these new requirements, with the law taking effect the following July.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates teacher training in dyslexia identification, enhancing educational access and student support programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 9696: Requires compliance with the uniform land use review procedure for the disposition of school property in New York city

This bill requires New York City to follow a specific land use review process before selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of school property. It directly affects the city's Board of Education and officials responsible for managing school sites by mandating compliance with existing city charter rules for any such transactions. The legislation also clarifies that these land use requirements must be met even when transferring school land to developers for mixed-use projects, while ensuring that community involvement rules for school changes remain intact. By updating the Education Law, the bill ensures that no school property is transferred without first undergoing the standard uniform land use review procedure.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates compliance with land use review for school property, protecting school infrastructure and ensuring proper management of educational assets.85% confidence

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