Education

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4015: Relates to the application of the dignity for all students act

This bill (S 4015) requires private, religious, and denominational schools in New York to comply with the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which prohibits bullying and harassment based on protected characteristics. It removes an existing exemption that previously excluded these institutions from DASA's protections. The law now applies equally to all schools, ensuring students at private religious schools receive the same anti-bullying safeguards as those in public schools. The bill does not alter other existing laws like the ADA or Title VII, but extends DASA coverage to previously exempt institutions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends DASA anti-bullying protections to private religious schools, ensuring equal student safety safeguards across all school types per bill's explicit requirement to remove exemptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3340: Relates to establishing the Gold Award and Eagle Scout achievement scholarship

Relates to establishing the Gold Award and Eagle Scout achievement scholarship; authorizes a scholarship of $500 per year for high school graduates attending a New York state public post-secondary institution who have achieved a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America or an Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates $500 annual scholarships for Gold Award/Eagle Scout graduates attending NY public colleges, directly expanding higher education access and providing financial support for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4501: Permits students of SUNY, CUNY, or state-funded institutions of higher education to observe certain holidays without facing academic repercussions

Permits students of SUNY, CUNY, or state-funded institutions of higher education to observe certain holidays without facing academic repercussions, provided they submit written notice of their intention to observe such holidays.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPermits higher education students to observe holidays without academic penalties, enhancing educational access and student flexibility in campus policies.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1008: Relates to improving student mental health and mental health literacy in institutions of higher education in the state, and requiring the amendment or adoption of related protocols, policies and programs

Relates to improving student mental health and mental health literacy in institutions of higher education in the state; requires the amendment or adoption of related protocols, policies and programs in SUNY, CUNY and independent institutions of higher education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires mental health program adoption in higher ed institutions, enhancing student well-being and support within educational framework95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates mental health protocols in colleges, directly advancing mental health services under healthcare policy as per indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1231: Relates to the creation of the New York farm to school and school garden fund

Relates to the creation of the New York farm to school and school garden fund; allows individuals to make a gift on their personal tax form for such fund; provides such fund will be used to establish school gardens and purchase equipment and educational materials to promote students' consumption of local products conducted in cooperation with the department of agriculture and markets.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill enables tax form donations to fund school gardens/educational programs, directly advancing public service funding via tax mechanism.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates fund for school gardens and educational materials, enhancing K-12 student programs through local food curriculum and infrastructure funding.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 8266: Relates to providing transportation after four o'clock

This bill amends education law to establish a funding formula for transportation aid to public school districts. It sets annual spending limits for transportation aid starting from the 2013-2014 school year, with specific dollar amounts that increase over time. The bill defines a "base amount" based on 2012-2013 transportation costs and requires school districts to maintain annual spending at least equal to that base year, including cost increases per student. After the 2025-2026 school year, funding limits adjust annually using a formula tied to the consumer price index. The bill directly affects school districts receiving transportation aid under this specific funding mechanism.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes funding formula for school transportation aid with annual spending limits, ensuring consistent budget allocation for education services.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes transportation funding formula with annual increases, requiring districts to maintain base-year spending, advancing school access and operational support.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes mandatory annual transportation funding formula for school districts, requiring maintenance of base-year spending levels with cost increases per student.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding School Transportation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 380: Relates to exempting the costs of BOCES services and programs from the real property tax levy limit

This bill (S 380) exempts school districts' costs for purchasing regional education services (BOCES) from their local property tax levy limits. It directly affects school districts in New York that use BOCES programs, allowing them to spend on these services without counting those expenses toward their annual tax cap. The bill amends the Education Law to add BOCES service costs as a specific exemption category within the tax levy limit calculation. This change means districts can cover BOCES program expenses without needing to increase their overall tax rate to stay within the legal spending limit. The exemption applies to all school districts purchasing these regional educational services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts BOCES costs from tax levy limits, allowing school districts to fund essential education services without increasing local property taxes, promoting fiscal responsibility for public education.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts BOCES costs from tax levy limits, increasing school districts' flexibility to fund regional education services without hitting property tax caps.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Property Tax

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 12, 2026

A 6939: Provides for daily recess for elementary students

Requires each school district to ensure that every public school in which school days exceed five hours in duration provides up to thirty minutes of daily recess within the school day for all students in kindergarten through fifth grade and for students in sixth grade who attend an elementary school.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates daily recess for K-5, enhancing student programs and well-being in schools per bill's explicit requirement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6961: Permits the commissioner of education to include graduate programs as programs eligible for approval under the state tuition assistance program

This bill expands eligibility for New York's state tuition assistance program to include graduate programs. It permits the commissioner of education to approve graduate programs as qualifying for the program, directly affecting graduate students seeking financial aid. Key provisions amend existing law to explicitly state graduate programs can be classified as approved programs under the tuition assistance program. The change does not alter existing eligibility requirements for students or funding levels, but formally extends program access to graduate-level studies. This adjustment aligns the program's structure with current educational pathways without introducing new financial obligations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tuition assistance eligibility to graduate programs, increasing access to higher education funding without restricting existing provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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passed · New York · Assembly Apr 29, 2025

K 381: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025 as Community College Month in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 381 memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim April 2025 as Community College Month in the State of New York. This resolution aims to recognize the vital role community colleges play in providing accessible higher education, workforce development, and community engagement for residents across the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationResolution recognizes community colleges' role in accessible higher education and workforce development, aligning with support for educational access and engagement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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