Education

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1322: Establishes a novel virus essential workers scholarship program

Establishes a novel virus essential workers scholarship program to award annual scholarships to essential employees who worked during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or during the outbreak of another novel virus and children of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19 or another novel virus.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates scholarship program funding higher education for essential workers' children, directly advancing educational access and financial support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3396: Relates to imposing certain conditions on the approval of a charter school application

This bill blocks the approval of charter school conversion applications for public schools that have a documented pattern of serious violations of employee rights under civil service law. Specifically, it prohibits approval if a school interfered with or discriminated against employees' rights (as determined by the Public Employment Relations Board), based on violations of Section 209-a of the civil service law. The restriction applies only to conversions of existing public schools to charter schools, not to new charter applications. Schools with such violations may still submit future applications, but their current conversion request cannot be approved.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBlocks charter conversions for schools violating employee rights, protecting teacher labor protections under civil service law as part of education policy.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBlocks charter conversions for schools violating employee rights (per civil service law), protecting workers' rights from discrimination and interference.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Public Employees

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7485: Relates to authorizing community colleges offering an associates degree program in nursing to offer a four-year bachelors degree program in nursing

This bill allows community colleges that currently offer associate degree nursing programs to also provide four-year bachelor's degree nursing programs. It directly affects these community colleges and their nursing students by expanding educational pathways without requiring separate state approval. The key provision amends education law to remove existing barriers, stating community colleges may offer the four-year degree "notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation." This creates a clear legal mechanism for colleges to expand nursing education at their campuses. The bill is pending in the Higher Education committee as of March 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill removes barriers for community colleges to offer four-year nursing degrees, expanding educational pathways and access for nursing students without additional approval.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands nursing education pathways at community colleges, directly supporting healthcare workforce development by enabling more nursing professionals without additional approval barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6541: Relates to high school equivalency diplomas

This bill prohibits any fee for admission to exams that award a high school equivalency diploma in New York State. It directly affects students seeking these diplomas, including those in correctional facilities or preparing through state-approved programs. The key provision (Section 317-a) explicitly bans fees for these exams, ensuring cost barriers are removed for test-takers. The bill amends multiple education and correction laws to align with this fee prohibition but does not change eligibility requirements for the diploma itself.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill eliminates fees for high school equivalency exams, directly expanding educational access and removing financial barriers for students including those in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4800: Enacts tuition-free NY to provide free tuition at SUNY, CUNY and community colleges

Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnacts tuition-free higher education at state schools, expanding access for NY residents and requiring post-graduation employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 6619: Increases the state subsidy for school lunch meals

This bill increases New York State's funding for school lunch programs by raising the per-meal subsidy from $0.1901 to $0.25 for each free, paid, and reduced-price lunch served. It directly affects school food authorities in New York that serve lunches to students, requiring them to certify they purchased at least 30% of their food products from New York state farmers, growers, or processors in the previous school year to qualify for the higher subsidy. The increased funding applies to all school lunch meals served starting July 1, 2022, and annually thereafter. The bill also removes the previous separate $0.0519 rate for reduced-price meals, consolidating the subsidy structure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state funding for school lunch programs via higher per-meal subsidy ($0.1901 → $0.25), directly allocating additional budget resources to a public service program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases state subsidy for school lunches, directly funding K-12 meal programs and requiring local sourcing to qualify for higher funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 945: Enacts Jacobe's Law

Bill A 945, known as "Jacobe's Law," requires school administrators to contact the parents or guardians of students when a verified incident of bullying, harassment, or discrimination has occurred. Designated school employees must first investigate and confirm the incident. Following verification, a school professional will discuss any health, safety, or privacy concerns with the students involved. If no such concerns are expressed, the school will make a good faith effort to contact the parents; if concerns are raised, the professional will use their judgment to determine if parental contact is in the student's best interest. The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for individuals who report such incidents in good faith.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires schools to address bullying via parental notification, enhancing student safety and well-being in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8528: Establishes a pilot learner engagement and attendance program in certain school districts of the state

Establishes a three-year pilot program to be known as the "learner engagement and attendance program of New York (LEAP-NY)" in certain school districts of the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates LEAP-NY pilot program to improve student engagement/attendance in schools, directly enhancing educational access and student outcomes through targeted programming.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 331: Creates a commission to evaluate the need for community colleges to participate in the educational opportunity program

This bill creates a temporary commission to study whether 12 SUNY community colleges should join the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides financial and academic support to disadvantaged students. The commission will evaluate how EOP participation affects transfer students from these colleges who seek support at four-year schools. It must report recommendations to state leaders within one year, with no direct policy changes enacted by the bill itself. The focus is on assessing current eligibility barriers for students at the 12 non-participating community colleges.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates commission to evaluate expanding EOP participation for disadvantaged students, indicating intent to strengthen support systems and improve access to higher education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4781: Enacts tuition-free NY to provide free tuition at SUNY, CUNY and community colleges

Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMakes tuition free at public colleges for NY residents, expanding higher education access and reducing financial barriers to college enrollment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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