New York Assembly Bill A02623

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Creates a transportation subsidy to increase access to water safety instruction.

Summary

Bill A02623 aims to amend the education law by introducing a transportation subsidy to facilitate access to water safety instruction for students in public schools across New York State. The bill mandates that eligible public schools provide an optional subsidy to fund transportation for students attending qualified swimming and water safety courses at designated private facilities. The qualifications for these courses and facilities will be established by the commissioner in consultation with the department of health through regulations. The bill specifies that students in grades K-12 attending public schools can opt into this transportation subsidy if there are insufficient qualified facilities nearby, defined as no more than ten within a specified radius depending on whether the school is in a city of over one million residents or not. The transportation subsidy can cover various forms of transport, including school buses and public transit, as determined by local regulations. The act is set to take effect ninety days after it becomes law, allowing for the necessary rules and regulations to be established for its implementation. This initiative is designed to enhance water safety education and reduce barriers to access for students who may otherwise be unable to participate due to transportation issues.

Impact

If enacted, Bill A02623 will create a new framework within the education law that allows for state-funded transportation subsidies specifically for water safety instruction. This will likely lead to increased participation in swimming and water safety programs among public school students, particularly in areas where access to such facilities is limited. The bill may also necessitate amendments to existing transportation and education regulations to accommodate the new subsidy program and ensure compliance with the established criteria for eligible facilities and courses.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A02623 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a public safety concern by promoting water safety education among students. However, there may be some apprehension regarding the logistics of implementing the transportation subsidy and ensuring that the defined criteria for qualified facilities are met. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions at this stage suggests that the bill is still in the early stages of consideration.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the definition and regulation of 'qualified facilities' and 'qualified courses,' as these will determine who can benefit from the subsidy. Stakeholders, including educators and parents, may have differing opinions on what constitutes adequate water safety instruction and the accessibility of such programs. Additionally, there may be concerns about the funding and administrative burden placed on schools to manage the subsidy program effectively.