Education

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7579: Addresses the elementary literacy gap by empowering student and parental engagement with an evidence-based home reading program

Provides grants to nonprofit organizations that provide eligible home reading programs that provide independent reading level books that are individually mailed to the residences of kindergarten through fifth grade students on a weekly basis.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants for K-5 home reading program targeting literacy gap, directly funding student educational access through evidence-based reading materials.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6714: Relates to providing funding for transitional programs for students from English-speaking Caribbean countries

Relates to providing funding for transitional programs for students from English-speaking Caribbean countries who are not eligible for limited English proficiency programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides funding for transitional programs for non-LEP Caribbean students, directly enhancing educational access and support through targeted funding.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationFunds transitional programs for Caribbean students ineligible for standard English programs, supporting immigrant integration through educational services.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1133: Authorizes a distinctive "guardians for schools" license plate; and establishes the guardians for schools fund

This bill creates a special "guardians for schools" license plate for New York residents, who pay a $25 annual fee on top of regular registration. The fee funds the "guardians for schools fund," which must be used exclusively for school security improvements like security officers, metal detectors, and safety training. The fund is managed by state officials and cannot be diverted to general state spending. It takes effect 180 days after enactment, with initial plate production costs offset from the fund after one year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $25 annual fee (new tax) exclusively funding school security improvements, directly allocating dedicated revenue to public safety program per bill's purpose.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates dedicated fund for school security improvements (security officers, metal detectors) via license plate fees, directly funding school safety infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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failed · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1268: Prohibits funding of any degree-granting institution of higher education if such institution permits certain organizations on campus

Prohibits state funding of any degree-granting institution of higher education if such institution permits terrorist organizations or activities in support of such organizations on campus; prohibits any student group or organization of receiving funding from the degree-granting institution if such group or organization directly or indirectly promotes, encourages, advocates, or engages in any terrorist advocacy or activities on campus.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill prohibits state funding for institutions permitting terrorist activities, directly restricting budget allocation to higher education institutions.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill prohibits state funding for higher ed institutions permitting terrorist organizations, defunding non-compliant schools and restricting educational funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5107: Addresses the elementary literacy gap by empowering student and parental engagement with an evidence-based home reading program

Provides grants to nonprofit organizations that provide eligible home reading programs that provide independent reading level books that are individually mailed to the residences of kindergarten through fifth grade students on a weekly basis.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants for evidence-based home reading programs targeting K-5 literacy, directly funding student engagement and program enhancement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9157: Requires curriculum or instruction in Italian history and civic impact

This bill requires all public school districts in the state to include age-appropriate curriculum on Italian history and civic impact in their social studies or history courses. The curriculum must cover Italian immigration to the U.S., the Italian community's historical experiences (including challenges), and their contributions to American government, arts, science, and society. School boards must provide teachers with training and materials to deliver this instruction, which can be integrated into existing courses. The mandate takes effect July 1, 2026, after the bill becomes law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates inclusion of Italian history curriculum in K-12 social studies, expanding educational content and cultural awareness per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 584: Relates to the ability for school districts to implement telehealth school-based mental health clinics

Grants school districts the ability to implement telehealth school-based mental health clinics; establishes the student mental telehealth reimbursement fund; relates to funding the student mental telehealth reimbursement fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes student mental telehealth reimbursement fund, allocating state funds for school-based mental health services as a public health program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes telehealth mental health clinics in schools and creates a reimbursement fund, directly enhancing student mental health services and access within educational settings.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes telehealth mental health clinics in schools with dedicated funding, directly expanding access to mental health services through school-based care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Mental Health Telehealth

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5211: Relates to librarians of school libraries; repealer

This bill (A 5211) requires all New York school districts to employ certified school library media specialists in every elementary and secondary school based on student enrollment size. For example, schools with 100-300 students must have 0.3 full-time equivalent librarians, while schools over 2,000 students need two full-time librarians plus one additional for every 1,000 more students. It also mandates library clerks in schools with at least 1,000 students (one clerk per 1,000 students). School districts may request a one-year waiver for up to two years total if they demonstrate a shortage of certified librarians and made hiring offers, but waivers cannot exceed two years in a five-year period. The law applies to all public elementary and secondary schools statewide.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates certified librarians and clerks based on enrollment, strengthening school library resources and access per K-12 education standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries Student Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1588: Relates to reimbursing charter schools for leasing certain facilities, and prohibition of non-disclosure agreements; repealer

Prohibits the city school district from reimbursing charter schools for leasing a privately owned or other publicly owned facility; prohibits charter school employee contracts from including a non-disclosure agreement.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill prohibits city school district from reimbursing charter schools for facility leasing, restricting their funding. Charter schools are part of K-12 education funding, so this defunds a segment of the education system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6236: Relates to delaying the implementation of class size reduction plans and including additional exemptions to class size targets

Relates to delaying the implementation of class size reduction plans and including additional exemptions to class size targets; provides such plans shall begin in September 2031 and be achieved by September 2036; adds gifted and talented schools and programs, screened admissions schools and programs, portfolio and specialized high schools and advanced placement classes; requires parents at each respective school be included on any discussions regarding class size exemptions.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill delays class size reduction until 2036 and adds exemptions, maintaining larger class sizes instead of advancing smaller class goals.95% confidence

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