New York Assembly Bill A06902

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits the establishment of new charter schools, or the revision of any charter in, or within a five mile radius of, the Hempstead union free school district, the Uniondale union free school district, or the Roosevelt union free school district.

Summary

A06902 would impose a moratorium on new charter schools in and around three Nassau County school districts: Hempstead Union Free School District, Uniondale Union Free School District, and Roosevelt Union Free School District. The bill also bars approval of charter revisions that would expand enrollment, grade levels, or facilities for charter schools operating in those districts or within a five-mile radius of them. In addition, if a charter school in the covered area is surrendered, revoked, terminated, or not renewed, its charter could not be reissued. The stated purpose is to address what the bill describes as oversaturation of charter schools in these communities and the resulting strain on district budgets. The bill explains that charter school tuition is paid from public school district funds, and that multiple charter schools in close proximity have reduced resources available for district programs and services. It specifically cites fiscal pressure on the Hempstead, Uniondale, and Roosevelt districts and frames the measure as a way to provide relief to those districts.

Impact

The bill would amend the practical operation of New York’s charter school approval process by creating a geographic restriction on new charter school siting and expansion in a defined area of Nassau County. It would limit the authority of charter entities under the Education Law to approve new charters or charter revisions for schools located in the covered districts or within the five-mile radius, and would prevent reissuance of charters for schools that have been surrendered, revoked, terminated, or not renewed in that area. The affected parties would include charter school applicants, existing charter schools seeking to expand, and the three local school districts that would be shielded from additional charter growth.

Sentiment

The bill’s tone is strongly supportive of public school districts and critical of charter school concentration in the targeted communities. Although there is no recorded committee transcript or vote history provided, the legislative findings indicate a clear concern about fiscal harm to district schools and a desire to slow or stop further charter expansion in the area. The overall sentiment appears to favor district stabilization and fiscal relief over continued charter school growth in these communities.

Contention

The main point of contention is the balance between charter school choice and public school district funding. Supporters of the bill are likely to argue that Hempstead, Uniondale, and Roosevelt have too many charter schools relative to their capacity and that district budgets are being drained by tuition payments to charters. Opponents would likely contend that a blanket geographic moratorium limits parental choice, restricts educational options, and treats charter schools differently from other public education providers. The bill’s five-mile radius restriction and ban on charter expansion make it especially restrictive, which could be a focal point of debate.