Education

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 Jan 7, 2026

A 43: Authorizes a school district in the village of Tuckahoe, by resolution, to limit transportation of students to 7 miles

This bill amends New York's Education Law to allow the Tuckahoe school district (located in the village of Tuckahoe) to adopt a resolution limiting student transportation to a maximum of 7 miles from home to school, instead of the standard 15-mile limit. It directly affects students in Tuckahoe who live more than 2 miles from school (grades K-8) or more than 3 miles (grades 9-12), as transportation would no longer be required beyond the 7-mile cap. The key provision is that the Tuckahoe school board can formally set this reduced distance through a resolution, while other districts remain subject to the 15-mile standard. This change applies only to Tuckahoe and does not alter transportation requirements for other school districts.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationLimits transportation access for students beyond 7 miles, restricting educational access for those living farther from school.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation

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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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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 13, 2025

A 5468: Moves the Amistad Commission from the department of state to the state education department

This bill transfers the Amistad Commission from the Department of State to the New York State Education Department. The commission, which focuses on promoting education about the African slave trade, slavery in America, and African-American contributions, will now operate under the Education Department's oversight. Key provisions include moving all commission-related functions, pending matters, and staff support to the Education Department, while maintaining the commission's existing duties like compiling educator volunteers and recommending curricula. The transfer does not change the commission's educational mission or voting structure.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill transfers Amistad Commission (focused on educational content about slavery/African-American contributions) to Education Department, ensuring education-focused oversight and maintaining its mission.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2720: Enacts the "solar for schools act"; appropriation

Enacts the solar for schools act which provides grants for eligible school districts to purchase and install solar and geothermal power sources; defines terms; directs the New York state energy and research development authority to establish such grant program; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof; makes an appropriation therefor.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill makes specific appropriation for school solar grants, directly increasing public service funding through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants for school solar installations, improving infrastructure and reducing operational costs for K-12 schools.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides grants for solar/geothermal installations in schools, directly funding renewable energy infrastructure and advancing clean energy adoption through state appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds solar/geothermal installations for schools, promoting clean energy adoption and reducing carbon footprint through direct environmental protection measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 376: Requires the department of education to report information regarding counselors, social workers and psychologists in schools

Requires the department of education to report information regarding counselors, social workers and psychologists in schools and to implement a plan to increase the school counselor, school social worker and school psychologist to student ratio to nationally accepted standards and provide funding for such.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires funding to meet national staff-to-student ratios for counselors/social workers, directly advancing student support resources per education indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates increased mental health professional ratios in schools and funding, directly advancing mental health services access per healthcare topic definition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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