New York Assembly Bill A05774

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/20/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to allowing for students in certain postsecondary education experience or transition programs to receive awards from the tuition assistance program.

Summary

This bill amends the Education Law to make students with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in approved postsecondary education experience or transition programs eligible for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards. It directs the commissioner to adopt regulations to implement this eligibility and requires the president of the higher education authority to award aid to these students in the same manner as students in approved degree-granting programs, including the same income limits and annual award amounts. The bill also defines the kinds of programs that qualify. To be approved, a postsecondary education experience or transition program must serve students with intellectual disabilities, provide individualized academic and social supports, emphasize academic enrichment, socialization, independent living and self-advocacy skills, and integrated work experiences, and offer a meaningful credential upon completion. The program must also be a federally approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary program.

Impact

The bill would expand the scope of state financial aid under the Tuition Assistance Program by expressly including students with intellectual disabilities in approved postsecondary transition programs. It would require changes to Education Law sections governing TAP administration and program eligibility, and would likely affect the Higher Education Services Corporation and participating colleges by creating a new category of eligible students and programs for award purposes.

Sentiment

The available context suggests a generally supportive and inclusive policy approach, with the bill framed as expanding access to higher education and transition services for students with intellectual disabilities. No committee debate or recorded votes are provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition in the supplied materials. The bill’s structure and purpose indicate a positive sentiment toward educational opportunity and workforce preparation for this student population.

Contention

The main policy issue is eligibility and program qualification: the bill limits aid to students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in approved postsecondary education experience or transition programs, and it requires those programs to meet specific federal and educational criteria. Potential points of contention could include the fiscal impact of extending TAP awards, the administrative burden of approving and monitoring programs, and whether the definition of qualifying programs is too narrow or too broad. However, no specific objections or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided record.