Education

passed both · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8630: Enacts the "freedom to read act"

Requires each board of education to adopt a written policy for reconsideration of school library materials and make such policy available on its website; requires such policies to include provisions for the creation of a reconsideration committee to review complaints regarding school library materials; requires the commissioner of education to develop one or more model policies for school districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires school boards to adopt policies for reconsidering library materials after complaints, protecting access to diverse educational resources per 'freedom to read' intent.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 82: Relates to the number and duties of assistant principals to be assigned to school districts in the city of New York

This bill (S 82) requires all New York City public schools to have at least one certified assistant principal. It directly affects NYC schools and their administrative staffing. Key provisions include mandating that assistant principals handle school safety when the principal is absent and may be required to attend training to address educational needs. The bill sets minimum staffing standards to ensure school safety and proper management, without changing funding or creating new programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates certified assistant principals for school safety/management, strengthening administrative standards in NYC schools without funding changes.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 4037: Relates to the compulsory age for full time instruction from six to five years of age and certain exceptions for minor children

This bill lowers the compulsory school age from six to five years old for full-time instruction in New York State. It requires children who turn five on or before December 1st to start school in September of that year, while those turning five after December 1st can begin the following September. Parents may choose to delay kindergarten enrollment until the next September, and the bill maintains exceptions for high school completers and full-time workers. The change affects all school districts and parents of five-year-old children.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationLowers compulsory school age to five, expanding early education access for K-12 students by requiring earlier enrollment for most five-year-olds.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 6655: Allows students attending agricultural learning events to be counted as in attendance at school

Allows students attending agricultural learning events to be counted as in attendance at school; defines "agricultural learning events" as including FFA events and 4-H programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by counting FFA/4-H events as valid school attendance, supporting student participation in agricultural programs.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed both · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 10264: Permits the Chenango Forks central school district to create an insurance reserve fund

This bill authorizes the Chenango Forks Central School District to establish an insurance reserve fund to help cover specific insurance claims and legal judgments. The legislation amends state law to allow this district, along with several other named school districts, to set aside money for losses related to risks they are required to insure, such as liability claims. It clarifies that funds from this reserve cannot be used for losses already covered by other existing reserve funds or for specific excluded risks listed in state insurance laws. By taking effect immediately, the bill provides a direct mechanism for the district to manage financial risks associated with insurance without needing further legislative approval for this specific purpose.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by allowing school districts to create insurance reserve funds, ensuring financial stability and protecting against future liabilities.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allows a school district to create an insurance reserve fund, protecting district finances and ensuring resources remain available for education operations.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 3, 2026

A 11296: Permits the Vestal Central School District to create an insurance reserve fund

This bill allows the Vestal Central School District to establish an insurance reserve fund to help cover specific insurance claims and legal judgments. The legislation amends state law to explicitly include this school district alongside other existing districts that are permitted to create such funds. Under the new rules, the district can use money from the reserve to pay for losses related to risks where insurance is required, provided it does not already have a separate reserve for those same risks. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, giving the school board the authority to set up the fund and begin managing it according to state guidelines.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by allowing a school district to create an insurance reserve fund, protecting against future financial losses.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables a school district to create an insurance reserve fund, protecting district finances and ensuring resources remain available for educational operations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 3, 2026

A 10334: Phases out certain mandatory university fees for certain graduate students and adjunct staff

Provides that beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, certain graduate students shall be required to pay 25% of all current and future mandatory university fees; provides that in the 2027-2028 academic year and thereafter, no mandatory university fees shall be charged to certain graduate students and adjunct staff, with the exclusion of the graduate student association student activity fee.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPhases out mandatory fees for graduate students, reducing costs and improving access to higher education without restricting academic freedom or funding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 519: Establishes the underrepresented teachers of tomorrow teacher recruitment and retention program

Establishes the underrepresented teachers of tomorrow teacher recruitment and retention program to attract and retain underrepresented certified teachers in schools which have an underrepresentation of underrepresented certified teachers; provides for grants and procedures for applying for such grants and eligibility requirements for fund distribution.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates grant program to fund recruitment/retention of underrepresented teachers, advancing equity in education staffing and addressing school underrepresentation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 7367: Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at SUNY and CUNY

Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill grants free academic credit to volunteer firefighters/EMTs at SUNY/CUNY, expanding educational access without cost. Directly supports higher education access for a specific group.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 10007: Relates to the submission of requests to the committee on special education for the educational services mandated by an individualized education services program

Requires the school district of location shall annually provide written notice to all parents or persons in parental relation to students with disabilities attending nonpublic schools within their district regarding the process for requesting special education services; relates to the denial of services in a city having a population of one million or more for the 2024--2025 school year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates notice to parents regarding special education services, expanding access and protecting rights for students with disabilities.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track