New York Assembly Bill A05658

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/19/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Directs the education department and OCFS to prepare posters and pamphlets with information regarding higher education funding opportunities for foster youth.

Summary

This bill would require the Commissioner of Education, working with the Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), to create and display informational materials about higher education funding opportunities for foster youth. The materials could include posters, pamphlets, or other written notices describing both state and federally operated programs and the eligibility requirements for those programs. The required information would have to be made visibly available at admissions and financial aid offices at SUNY and CUNY institutions, and also posted on the websites of the State Education Department, OCFS, SUNY, and CUNY. The bill is aimed at improving access to college financing information for foster youth by ensuring that students and prospective students can more easily find programs that may help pay for higher education.

Impact

The bill would amend section 355 of the Education Law by adding a new subdivision requiring coordinated outreach and public posting of foster-youth higher education funding information. It would impose a new administrative duty on the Education Department and OCFS, and indirectly on SUNY and CUNY campuses, to maintain visible and accessible informational resources in admissions and financial aid settings and online. The measure does not create a new funding program; rather, it expands notice and disclosure obligations related to existing state and federal aid opportunities for foster youth.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be straightforward and supportive in nature, with an emphasis on improving awareness and access to educational aid for a vulnerable student population. The sponsorship and caption suggest a policy goal that is likely to attract broad sympathy, especially among advocates for foster youth and higher education access. No contrary positions are reflected in the available materials.

Contention

No specific contention is documented in the provided record, and there are no committee transcripts or votes indicating opposition. Any potential concerns would likely center on implementation details, such as the administrative burden on state agencies and campuses, the scope of required materials, and ensuring that the information remains current and accurate. However, no named stakeholders or formal objections are identified in the available context.