Education (Higher Education)

passed · New York · Senate Apr 21, 2026

J 1914: Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Foster Youth College Success Initiative

This bill is a Senate resolution that officially recognizes the 10th anniversary of the Foster Youth College Success Initiative. It does not create new laws or change how the program operates but instead directs the legislature to pause and acknowledge the program's achievements on April 28, 2026. The resolution highlights the initiative's role in providing financial and academic support to foster youth attending colleges across New York State. This measure serves as a formal commemoration rather than a policy change.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill commemorates a program providing financial and academic support to foster youth in higher education, aligning with expanding educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 13, 2026

S 9896: Permits persons 65 years of age to enroll in a limited number of state university and city university courses for credit without tuition

This bill allows New York State residents aged 65 and older to enroll in up to nine credit hours of courses at state and city universities without paying tuition. The provision applies to both the State University of New York system and the City University of New York, permitting these seniors to take classes for academic credit. Eligible individuals must be state residents, and the bill specifies that this tuition waiver takes effect starting April 1 of the following year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access for seniors by allowing tuition-free enrollment in university courses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Tags Seniors

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 27, 2026

A 11148: Creates a commission to evaluate the need for community colleges to participate in the educational opportunity program

This bill establishes a temporary commission to study whether twelve specific SUNY community colleges should join the Educational Opportunity Program, which currently offers financial and academic help to disadvantaged students. The commission will be made up of thirteen unpaid experts appointed by state leaders to investigate the need for these colleges to participate and to consider changes in rules for students transferring to four-year schools. After conducting its review, the group must submit a report with findings and recommendations to state officials within one year. The law will become active in about three months and will automatically end two years after that date.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a commission to evaluate expanding the Educational Opportunity Program to community colleges, aiming to increase access for disadvantaged students.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 24, 2026

J 1974: Commending Mercy University upon the occasion of hosting its 45th Annual Trustees' Scholarship Gala on April 30, 2026

This bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends Mercy University for hosting its 45th Annual Trustees' Scholarship Gala on April 30, 2026. The resolution recognizes the university's long-standing commitment to providing affordable higher education and its role as a major Hispanic-Serving Institution in New York State. It does not create any new laws or change policies but serves as an official tribute from the state legislature to honor the university's contributions to educational access and student success.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill commends a university for hosting a scholarship gala and recognizes its commitment to affordable higher education and access.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 8, 2026

A 10870: Removes minimum year requirements for attendance at a New York high school when determining eligibility for certain student loans

This bill removes the requirement that students must have attended a New York high school for at least two years to qualify for certain state student loans. It allows graduates who attended a New York high school for any duration to apply for undergraduate loans within five years of graduation and graduate loans within ten years. The change directly affects New York high school graduates who may have left school early but still wish to pursue higher education using these financial awards.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by removing attendance barriers for student loans, allowing more graduates to pursue higher education.90% confidence

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

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signed · New York · Assembly Jun 26, 2026

A 11007: Extends certain tuition waivers for police officer students of the city university of New York

This bill extends tuition waivers for police officer students attending the City University of New York until July 1, 2028. The change directly affects current and future police recruits who are enrolled in CUNY programs, allowing them to continue receiving financial support for their education. By amending existing state laws, the legislation ensures that these educational benefits remain in place for an additional two years beyond the previous expiration date. The measure is a straightforward policy adjustment that does not alter the eligibility criteria for the waivers, only their duration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds education for police recruits, enhancing professional training and capacity within law enforcement.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill extends tuition waivers for police officer students at CUNY, directly funding higher education and expanding access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Higher Education

in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10518: Authorizes the dormitory authority to provide financing to Vanderbilt University for the construction of facilities

This bill authorizes the Dormitory Authority to provide financial assistance to Vanderbilt University for building, designing, and improving facilities on its Chelsea Square campus. By amending the Public Authorities Law, the legislation enables the university to access funds for construction, refinancing, and rehabilitation projects without requiring new state legislation for each specific initiative. The changes take effect immediately upon passage, allowing the university to proceed with its planned campus development using the authorized financing mechanisms.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes funding for university facility construction and rehabilitation, directly supporting higher education infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 1, 2026

A 11244: Requires an annual report on the New York state college choice tuition savings program and the translation of vital documents in the most common non-English languages

Requires an annual report on the New York state college choice tuition savings program to be delivered to the governor and the legislature and posted on the comptroller's website and the translation of vital documents in the most common non-English languages.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances educational access by reporting on tuition savings and improving language access for vital documents.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill mandates translation of vital documents in common non-English languages, facilitating access to essential services for immigrants.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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signed · New York · Senate Jun 26, 2026

S 10571: Extends provisions of law relating to capital facilities in support of the state university and community colleges, procurement and the state university health care facilities

Extends provisions of law relating to capital facilities in support of the state university and community colleges, procurement and the state university health care facilities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill extends provisions for capital facilities at state universities and community colleges, directly strengthening educational infrastructure and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · New York · Assembly May 1, 2026

A 11170: Provides for the inclusion of a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges

Provides for the inclusion of a faculty or staff member on the board of trustees of community colleges elected by and from among the faculty and staff of the college.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens higher education governance by ensuring faculty and staff have a voice on community college boards, enhancing institutional representation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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