New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00610

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.

Summary

Bill A00610 aims to amend the education law in New York to require the Department of Education to establish ratios of health and mental health professionals to students in public schools. The bill recognizes the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' mental health and emphasizes the need for additional counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers to adequately address the socio-emotional needs of students. It mandates that these professionals be employed in proportion to the established ratios in each school district, ensuring that all students have timely access to necessary health and mental health services.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will lead to a systematic change in how public schools in New York allocate resources for health and mental health services. It will require school districts to hire more professionals, potentially increasing state and local education budgets. The establishment of these ratios will also align New York's educational health standards with national guidelines, which may improve student outcomes related to mental health and overall well-being.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00610 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among educators and mental health advocates who recognize the urgent need for improved mental health resources in schools. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for school districts, especially in the context of existing budget constraints.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from school district administrators who are concerned about the financial burden of hiring additional staff to meet the new ratios. Some may argue that the bill could divert funds from other educational priorities or that the proposed ratios may not be feasible given current staffing challenges. Advocates for mental health resources, however, argue that the long-term benefits of addressing students' mental health needs outweigh the initial costs.

Companion Bills

NY S05024

Same As Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.

Previously Filed As

NY S05024

Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.

NY S0234

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

NY S2214

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

NY H8462

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

NY H5112

Requires the department of education to develop and make available for use in all schools a mental health curriculum. School districts would be required to provide four (4) hours of mental health instruction to seventh grade students.

NY H7116

Requires the department of education to develop and make available for use in all schools a mental health curriculum. School districts would be required to provide four (4) hours of mental health instruction to seventh grade students.

NY SF2428

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties of the department of education; the discipline of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools who cause violent or nonviolent disruptions; the responsibilities and powers of the department of education, school district teachers, and other educational staff related to students who have individualized education programs or plans under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act; school district professional development plans; and authorizing teachers to request a meeting of a student's individualized education program team. (Formerly SF 2044.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

NY HF2538

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties of the department of education, the discipline of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools who exhibit disorderly conduct in the classroom, the responsibilities and powers of the department of education, school district teachers, and other educational staff related to students who have individualized education programs or plans under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, and school district professional development plans, and authorizing teachers to request a meeting of a student's individualized education program team. (Formerly HF 2122.)

NY SB5253

AN ACT Relating to extending special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22;

NY HB1257

AN ACT Relating to extending special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22;

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.