Education

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5243: Establishes the high school peer mentoring pilot program

This bill establishes a statewide high school peer mentoring pilot program for all public high schools, directly affecting students, mentors, and school staff. It requires schools to review existing programs, develop recruitment plans, create training materials, and implement a structured mentoring framework before the 2026-2027 school year. Key provisions include mandatory staff training on mentor-like practices, evidence-based mentor screening, ongoing skill-building for mentors (like active listening and boundary-setting), and relationship mapping to ensure every student connects with a supportive adult. The program must be evaluated after its first year, with results reported to state officials by August 2027, and the pilot expires January 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates structured peer mentoring programs in public high schools, requiring training and framework development to enhance student support and staff practices, directly advancing educational programming.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8733: Relates to financial literacy instruction

Directs the state board of regents to develop or adopt financial literacy learning standards for students in grades four through eight; provides that all public, charter, and nonpublic high schools shall offer and students at such schools shall successfully complete a course in financial literacy; directs the trustees of the state university of New York, in consultation with faculty, student representatives and subject matter experts, to develop a comprehensive financial literacy course; directs the trustees of the city university of New York, in consultation with faculty, student representatives and subject matter experts, to develop a comprehensive financial literacy course.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates financial literacy curriculum standards for grades 4-8 and high school courses, enhancing educational curriculum requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 65: Authorizes colleges to offer additional programs or degrees if they have met certain criteria

This bill allows New York colleges to offer new academic programs or degrees if they meet two specific requirements: operating continuously with a physical campus in the state for at least 10 years and holding full accreditation without sanctions from either the Middle States Commission on Higher Education or New York’s Board of Regents. It directly affects colleges seeking to expand their offerings beyond current accredited programs. The law removes barriers to new programs for qualifying institutions while requiring non-compliant colleges to follow existing Board of Regents procedures. This is a procedural change focused on streamlining authorization for established, accredited institutions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables colleges to expand accredited programs, increasing educational access and academic options without restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4378: Relates to authorizing grants for the implementation of the seal of civic readiness program

Relates to authorizing grants for the implementation of the seal of civic readiness program; authorizes grants of $50,000 to no more than 20 applicant school districts for public schools that have successfully completed both the seal of civic readiness application and commissioner created grant application.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $50,000 grants to school districts for civic readiness program implementation, directly allocating state funds for public education.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes $50,000 grants to school districts implementing civic readiness program, directly funding educational initiatives per bill summary.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4673: Relates to first aid instruction for students in grades nine through twelve

This bill requires New York high schools to provide first aid instruction to all students in grades nine through twelve. It mandates a state-developed curriculum covering key topics like recognizing shock, wound care, choking, burns, and CPR (with optional certification through approved providers). Schools may integrate this into existing health classes or offer it as an after-school elective, without creating new mandatory courses. The law directly affects public high schools and their 9th-12th grade students by adding standardized first aid training to their educational experience. It takes effect July 1, 2025, following legislative approval.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates first aid curriculum in high schools, enhancing student safety education and program offerings within K-12 framework per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2669: Relates to establishing the New York state education equity fund and authorizing the dormitory authority of the state of New York to invest to cover capital costs for charter schools

Establishes a New York state education equity fund; authorizes the dormitory authority of the state of New York (DASNY) to invest $75 million in a public-private partnership revolving loan fund for loan financing to cover capital costs for the construction and improvements of public charter schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes $75M equity fund for charter school capital costs, directly funding school infrastructure and promoting educational equity per bill summary.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1932: Relates to the provision of certain services to students in nonpublic schools in certain school districts

This bill requires school districts with 25% or more students attending nonpublic schools to stop providing certain educational services (like special education or counseling) directly to those students. Instead, nonpublic schools must provide these services themselves, submit electronic certifications of service delivery to the state education commissioner, and cover all associated costs. The state will review services for compliance and approve all costs. This directly affects districts with high nonpublic enrollment and shifts responsibility for specific services from public districts to nonpublic schools.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill shifts costs of educational services from school districts to nonpublic schools, reducing government spending on these services.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationShifts service costs to nonpublic schools, restricting direct public provision and potentially limiting access to services like special education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Special Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 13, 2025

A 7777: Enacts the freedom to read act

Enacts the "freedom to read act"; requires the commissioner of education and school library systems to develop policies to ensure that school libraries and library staff are empowered to curate and develop collections that provide students with access to the widest array of developmentally appropriate materials available.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates policies ensuring school libraries provide diverse, developmentally appropriate materials, protecting academic freedom and expanding educational access per its 'freedom to read' focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1857: Requires the public school curriculum for children in kindergarten through grade twelve to include a minimum of two hours per week instruction in civics lessons

Requires the public school curriculum for children in kindergarten through grade twelve to include a minimum of two hours per week instruction in civics lessons.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates civics curriculum requirement, enhancing student civic education and aligning with curriculum standards under education policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6392: Provides an annual scholarship of $1000 for students with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA who attend a New York state public postsecondary institution

Provides an annual scholarship of $1,000 for students with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA who attend a New York state public postsecondary institution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds education scholarship program via state budget allocation, aligning with supporting public service funding under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides $1000 annual scholarship for eligible students, directly funding higher education access and reducing financial barriers for public postsecondary education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

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