Education

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5995: Prohibits libraries and library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval

Prohibits libraries and library systems, including school libraries and school library systems from banning books or other materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects school libraries from banning materials due to partisan/doctrinal reasons, directly supporting educational access and academic freedom in K-12 settings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5469: Allows for unlicensed personnel to administer seizure rescue medication in schools

Allows for unlicensed personnel to administer certain seizure rescue medication in schools, on school grounds and at school events; provides that such medicine may be left with a school health official to be used as needed.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllows unlicensed staff to administer seizure meds in schools, ensuring student health safety and enabling attendance, supporting educational access and continuity.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables immediate access to seizure medication in schools, improving emergency healthcare access for students without requiring licensed personnel.92% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6072: Requires funding for special education services and programs for preschool children with disabilities to cover full-day joint classroom instruction

Requires funding for special education services and programs for preschool children with disabilities to cover joint classroom instruction for such children with disabilities and other children for the same number of hours each day.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates funding for special education preschool programs with joint classroom instruction, directly advancing educational access and support for children with disabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Special Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4255: Relates to establishing the Beacon School Pilot Program in New York city schools

S 4255 establishes the Beacon School Pilot Program in New York City public schools. It transforms schools into community centers offering after-school and weekend programs for youth and adults, including recreational activities, academic support, and violence prevention services. The bill requires each participating school to create a community advisory council to design programs addressing youth development, family support, and neighborhood safety. This program directly affects NYC public school students, families, and local communities by providing structured alternatives to gang involvement through school-based partnerships. The initiative aims to reduce youth violence by leveraging school spaces and community resources to meet neighborhood needs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes Beacon School Pilot Program with academic support, after-school programs, and community services to enhance educational access and youth development in NYC schools.90% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3660: Establishes a state seal of financial literacy

Establishes a state seal of financial literacy; provides such seal recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in personal finance, budget management, and investment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a recognition seal for high school graduates demonstrating financial literacy proficiency, enhancing student educational outcomes and curriculum standards in financial education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1400: Relates to eliminating sales tax on books assigned by a college or university professor

This bill expands New York's existing sales tax exemption for textbooks to include all books required for college courses by professors. It directly affects students purchasing required course materials, who must present a valid student ID at checkout to verify the book is mandated for their class. The exemption now covers any required reading - beyond traditional textbooks - at accredited colleges and universities. The policy change takes effect 90 days after the law is signed, applying to future sales of qualifying materials.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands sales tax exemption for required college books, providing tax relief to students purchasing course materials.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEliminates sales tax on required college course materials, reducing student costs and improving access to educational resources at accredited institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5745: Creates substance use prevention and recovery resource materials for schools

Creates substance use prevention and recovery resource materials which include age-appropriate information on the risks of drug use, overdoses, and how to include resources from outside of the school district to improve instruction.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates substance use prevention resource materials for schools to improve instruction, enhancing student health education programs without restricting or defunding education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates substance use prevention/recovery resources, directly supporting public health initiatives and mental health services through age-appropriate education and resource coordination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3587: Relates to prohibiting colleges from denying formerly incarcerated individuals admittance to college based solely on their incarceration

This bill prohibits colleges and universities from denying admission to applicants solely because they have a prior incarceration history. It directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals seeking higher education by ensuring their past incarceration cannot be the sole reason for denial. The law amends education statutes to add a new section (6438-d), explicitly stating that no institution may deny admission based solely on prior incarceration, overriding other conflicting laws. The policy takes effect on July 1st following its enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes education barrier for formerly incarcerated, directly advancing criminal justice reform by promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly expands higher education access by prohibiting admission denial based on incarceration history, directly advancing educational equity for formerly incarcerated individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 599: Establishes a farm-to-school food service reimbursement program

Establishes a farm-to-school food service reimbursement program for school districts which have purchased at least thirty percent of their total food products, including both dairy and non-dairy products, for their food service programs from New York state farmers, growers, producers or processors, based upon the number of federally reimbursable meals served to students under such program agreements entered into by the commissioner and such districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides financial reimbursement to schools purchasing local food, advancing school meal programs under K-12 education funding95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 5067: Directs the commissioner of education to change the name of the state high school equivalency diploma to the Excelsior diploma

This bill renames New York State's high school equivalency diploma from "General Education Development (GED)" or "high school equivalency diploma" to the "Excelsior diploma" across all state and city laws. It removes fees for the exam and updates references in education, correction, and city administrative codes to reflect the new name. The change directly affects individuals seeking high school equivalency credentials, including those in correctional facilities pursuing vocational training or work release programs. Key provisions include replacing all prior terminology in statutes and ensuring the Excelsior diploma is recognized as the sole pathway to this credential.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves exam fees for high school equivalency diploma, expanding access to educational credentialing without cost barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education

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