New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A03449

Introduced
1/27/25  
Refer
1/27/25  

Caption

Relates to establishing the COVID-19 children scholarship; provides that children whose parent, primary caretaker or sibling died or was disabled as a result of contracting COVID-19 shall be eligible for such scholarship.

Summary

Bill A03449 establishes the COVID-19 children scholarship program in New York, aimed at providing financial assistance to children whose parent, primary caretaker, or sibling has died or become disabled due to COVID-19. The scholarships will cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students attending various institutions of higher education within New York State, including the City University of New York (CUNY) and the State University of New York (SUNY). The scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden on these students and ensure access to higher education during a time of significant personal loss.

Impact

The bill amends the education law to create a new scholarship program specifically for children affected by COVID-19. This will impact state laws by introducing a new category of financial aid that is distinct from existing scholarships and grants. It will provide targeted support to a vulnerable group of students, potentially increasing their access to higher education and helping to mitigate the long-term effects of the pandemic on their educational opportunities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill A03449 appears to be supportive, as it addresses a pressing need for financial assistance among children who have faced significant hardships due to the pandemic. However, there may be discussions regarding the funding sources for the scholarships and the administrative processes required to implement the program effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the eligibility criteria and the adequacy of funding for the scholarships. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential financial strain on the state's education budget, while others may advocate for broader eligibility to include more affected families. Additionally, there may be discussions about how to effectively administer the program and ensure that the funds reach those in need promptly.

Companion Bills

NY S06061

Same As Relates to establishing the COVID-19 children scholarship; provides that children whose parent, primary caretaker or sibling died or was disabled as a result of contracting COVID-19 shall be eligible for such scholarship.

Previously Filed As

NY S06061

Relates to establishing the COVID-19 children scholarship; provides that children whose parent, primary caretaker or sibling died or was disabled as a result of contracting COVID-19 shall be eligible for such scholarship.

NY S05520

Establishes a COVID-19 essential workers scholarship program to award annual scholarships to essential employees who worked during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and children of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19.

NY A00134

Establishes the New York COVID-19 children's fund program to provide assistance to children whose parent, custodian, legal guardian, or related adult household member died as a result of contracting COVID-19, regardless of immigration status of such children.

NY S04970

Establishes the New York COVID-19 children's fund program to provide assistance to children whose parent, custodian, legal guardian, or related adult household member died as a result of contracting COVID-19, regardless of immigration status of such children.

NY HB1792

SCH CHILDREN-COVID-19 VACCINE

NY A01569

Establishes a novel virus essential workers scholarship program to award annual scholarships to essential employees who worked during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or during the outbreak of another novel virus and children of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19 or another novel virus.

NY A01322

Establishes a novel virus essential workers scholarship program to award annual scholarships to essential employees who worked during the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or during the outbreak of another novel virus and children of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19 or another novel virus.

NY SB152

"Georgia Promise Scholarship Act"; the biological or adopted children of individuals who are foster parents and who meet certain conditions shall qualify for promise scholarship accounts; provide

NY HB2928

Schools; Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; eligibility for children with incarcerated parents; effective date.

NY HB2928

Schools; Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; eligibility for children with incarcerated parents; effective date.

Similar Bills

NJ A2970

Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.

SC H3871

Palmetto Access to HigherEd (PATH) Act

WI SB868

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)

SC H3327

Educational lottery scholarship grants

NJ S3296

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

WY HB0057

AN ACT relating to the use of Hathaway scholarships at private post secondary institutions; defining terms; creating a scholarship; establishing eligibility requirements; establishing payment of scholarship funds to private post secondary institutions; specifying success curriculum requirements; modifying the duties of the department of education; providing a sunset date; requiring rulemaking; requiring reporting; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

NJ A450

Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.

WI AB486

Permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. (FE)