Education

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3396: Requires SUNY and CUNY institutions to grant course credit to students who serve as election inspectors, poll clerks or election coordinators

Requires the boards of trustees of SUNY and CUNY to adopt policies requiring institutions thereof to grant course credit to students who serve as election inspectors, poll clerks, or election coordinators.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationGrants course credit for civic service, expanding educational access and recognizing student participation in elections within higher education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 1495: Relates to school aid for transportation of children attending a universal pre-kindergarten program; repealer

This bill allows school districts to provide additional bus transportation for students in universal pre-K programs beyond what's already funded. Districts may offer this extra transportation equally to all pre-K children in similar circumstances within their boundaries, with the district covering the costs. Crucially, this transportation will not count toward state funding calculations for those students, meaning districts bear the full expense without receiving state aid for it. The policy applies starting with the 2027-2028 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables expanded transportation access for universal pre-K students, directly enhancing educational access without state funding obligations for districts.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood K-12 Education School Transportation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5063: Expands eligibility for the New York state excelsior scholarship award to certain applicants enrolled on a part-time basis or in a BOCES or other approved vocational program

Expands eligibility for the New York state excelsior scholarship award to certain applicants enrolled on a part-time basis or in a BOCES or other approved vocational program; provides criteria for eligibility, and limits on amounts and durations for any such awards.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands scholarship access to part-time and vocational students, increasing educational opportunity and funding access for non-traditional learners.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Dec 8, 2025

A 702: Requires that all special education students attending schools scheduled to be closed or to undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closing or change

Requires that all special education students attending schools scheduled to be closed or to undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closing or change.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires timely assignment of special education students to new schools during closures, ensuring continuity of services and protecting educational access for vulnerable students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 4692: Requires that free menstrual products be provided in the bathrooms of private colleges and universities

Senate Bill 4692 requires all private colleges and universities in the state to provide menstrual products. These products must be made available in the restrooms of their school buildings. The bill specifies that these items must be offered at no charge to students. This legislation directly affects private higher education institutions, which must supply the products, and benefits their students by ensuring free access to them.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates free menstrual products in private college restrooms, enhancing student access to essential needs and supporting educational participation in higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides free menstrual products in schools as a public health measure improving access to essential health necessities, aligning with healthcare access indicators.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5814: Relates to the funding of certain CUNY programs by the state

Relates to the funding of certain CUNY programs by the state including the city university of New York's accelerated study in associate programs (ASAP) and the accelerate, complete, engage (ACE) program; provides state shall pay until both programs are fully funded.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state funding to fully support CUNY's ASAP and ACE programs, directly increasing public education appropriations under state budget.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates state funding for CUNY's ASAP and ACE higher education programs, ensuring full financial support for student success initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2142: Relates to a sales tax exemption for certain fundraising organized by school-based volunteer organizations

This bill (S 2142) exempts from sales tax items sold for under $2 by school-based volunteer groups, such as parent-teacher associations, student organizations, or booster clubs. It directly affects these groups when they organize fundraising events to support K-12 educational or extracurricular activities, provided no third-party vendor collects the tax. The exemption applies only to low-cost items sold directly by the school groups themselves. The law aims to reduce administrative burdens and increase revenue for school activities by eliminating tax on small-scale fundraisers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts school volunteer groups from sales tax on low-cost items, reducing tax burden and administrative costs for educational fundraising activities.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExempts low-cost school fundraising from sales tax, reducing costs for PTA/booster clubs supporting K-12 activities. Directly aids school funding mechanisms for educational programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives K-12 Education Teachers

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7674: Permits special education services and programs for preschool children with handicapping conditions to establish reserve funds

This bill allows special education programs serving preschool children with disabilities to create reserve funds from excess revenue. Institutions may retain up to 1% of their annual allowable costs each year (capped at 4% total), with funds carried forward to future years for approved uses like covering prior debts or authorized costs. Programs must report annually on reserve balances and usage to the education department. The policy applies specifically to preschool special education services under New York's education law, effective for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllows preschool special education programs to retain excess revenue as reserves (up to 4% total), enhancing financial stability for services targeting children with disabilities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Special Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6095: Provides free SUNY and CUNY tuition, books, and fees to all New York state and New York city employees

Provides free SUNY and CUNY tuition, books, and fees to all current New York state and New York city employees who have been such employees for at least two years, and who continue such employment throughout their academic program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides free tuition, books, and fees for state/city employees at SUNY/CUNY, directly expanding higher education access and funding for a specific group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 4903: Directs the creation of a document giving certain notice to parents and guardians of school age students who are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition or a certain medical condition

Enacts the "Shepherd Patterson notification act"; requires a physician who treats a minor patient with a medical condition that may cause a disability to provide certain educational information to such patient's parents or guardians indicating such minor is entitled to a free and appropriate public education as defined under section five hundred four of the federal rehabilitation act of nineteen hundred seventy-three; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires physicians to inform parents of students' rights to free appropriate public education under federal law, protecting educational access for students with medical conditions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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