New York Assembly Bill A03595

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Report Pass: 5/27/25
• Refer: 5/27/25
• Report Pass: 6/16/25
• Refer: 6/16/25

Caption

Authorizes and directs the commissioner of education to conduct a study on the number of children who are caregivers and how being a caregiver impacts their education.

Summary

A03595 authorizes and directs the New York State Commissioner of Education to conduct a study on children who serve as caregivers and on how caregiving affects their education. The bill defines “caregiver children” broadly to include students caring for sick, disabled, or elderly relatives outside of school, as well as students providing daily care or supervision for a minor child. The study must examine the number of caregiver children in the state, the amount of time they spend caregiving, the circumstances that lead them into caregiving roles, and the educational impacts of those responsibilities. The commissioner is also directed to make recommendations to reduce negative educational effects and to submit a report within one year of the act’s effective date, including any legislative proposals deemed necessary.

Impact

This bill does not immediately change substantive education law or create a new program; instead, it requires the Education Department to gather data and report findings on a student population that may be undercounted or underserved. Its practical effect is to place caregiver students on the state’s policy agenda and potentially lay the groundwork for future legislation, school-based supports, or guidance for districts based on the commissioner’s recommendations.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows unanimous favorable committee action, with no recorded opposition in the Assembly Education, Rules, or Ways and Means Committees. That suggests broad support for the bill’s fact-finding approach and its focus on student well-being and educational equity. No committee transcript is available, so the record does not show detailed debate, but the votes indicate a generally positive reception.

Contention

There is little visible contention in the available record, likely because the bill is a study measure rather than a mandate or funding program. Any potential concerns would most likely relate to the scope of the study, the administrative burden on the Education Department, or whether the state should move directly to services rather than first commissioning a report. However, no specific objections are reflected in the provided materials.