New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A02603

Introduced
1/21/25  
Refer
1/21/25  

Caption

Requires SUNY and CUNY campuses to hire energy management, materials management, and sustainability education and engagement employees at each SUNY and CUNY campus in numbers proportionate to campus size.

Summary

Bill A02603 mandates that each campus within the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) employ specific staff dedicated to energy management, materials management, and sustainability education. The staffing requirements are tiered based on campus size, ensuring that larger campuses have more resources allocated to these areas. For instance, campuses with fewer than 4,000 students must hire one full-time employee for each of the specified roles, while campuses with 25,000 or more students must employ multiple full-time staff in each category, reflecting the increased complexity and need for sustainability efforts at larger institutions.

Impact

This bill will amend the education law to impose new staffing requirements on SUNY and CUNY campuses, thereby enhancing their focus on sustainability and resource management. It aims to promote environmental stewardship within higher education institutions in New York State, potentially leading to improved energy efficiency and waste management practices. The bill may also influence budget allocations and hiring practices within these universities, requiring them to prioritize sustainability roles in their employment strategies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A02603 appears to be generally supportive among proponents who advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility in higher education. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications of hiring additional staff, particularly from those who prioritize budget constraints and operational efficiency within the university systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from budgetary concerns, as some legislators and stakeholders might argue that the required staffing levels could strain financial resources, especially for smaller campuses. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of such mandates, with some advocating for voluntary measures instead of statutory requirements.

Companion Bills

NY S01421

Same As Requires SUNY and CUNY campuses to hire energy management, materials management, and sustainability education and engagement employees at each SUNY and CUNY campus in numbers proportionate to campus size.

Previously Filed As

NY S01421

Requires SUNY and CUNY campuses to hire energy management, materials management, and sustainability education and engagement employees at each SUNY and CUNY campus in numbers proportionate to campus size.

NY S08165

Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.

NY A01230

Relates to compliance with federal reporting standards for incidences of sexual assault on SUNY and CUNY campuses.

NY S03896

Relates to compliance with federal reporting standards for incidences of sexual assault on SUNY and CUNY campuses.

NY A06697

Relates to compliance with federal reporting standards for incidences of sexual assault on SUNY and CUNY campuses.

NY SB284

Youth Service Organization Engagement on School Campuses

NY HB1167

Alternative Education Campuses

NY S01213

Provides access to medication abortion prescription drugs at SUNY and CUNY campuses by employing or contracting with individuals authorized to prescribe such drugs, or by providing referrals.

NY A01395

Provides access to medication abortion prescription drugs at SUNY and CUNY campuses by employing or contracting with individuals authorized to prescribe such drugs, or by providing referrals.

NY A00832

Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.

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