New York Assembly Bill A08531

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prevents certain public institutions of higher education from using the scholastic aptitude test and ACT assessment in the admissions process on and after the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven academic year for New York resident applicants; requires SUNY and CUNY to create a new standardized test by the two thousand thirty--two thousand thirty-one academic year.

Summary

A08531 would change how most public higher education institutions in New York evaluate undergraduate applicants who are state residents. The bill suspends the use of current standardized test requirements for resident applicants at public institutions of higher education, other than statutory colleges, through the 2030-2031 academic year. It then phases in a test-optional period for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years, followed by a test-blind admissions period for the 2028-2029 and 2029-2030 academic years, during which standardized test scores could not be considered for resident applicants. The bill also directs the SUNY and CUNY boards of trustees to identify and create a new test aligned with the college-readiness expectations of their systems. If they cannot modify or develop such a test in time for the 2030-2031 academic year, SUNY and CUNY would have to eliminate the use of the SAT and ACT entirely for admissions selection for New York resident applicants. The bill requires consultation with K-12 educators, testing experts, institutions within the systems, and faculty in designing any new assessment, and it takes effect immediately.

Impact

The bill would amend the Education Law by adding a new section governing admissions testing at public higher education institutions in New York. It would significantly restrict the use of the SAT and ACT for New York resident applicants at SUNY, CUNY, and other covered public institutions, while creating a statutory mandate for the systems to develop a replacement assessment or, failing that, move to admissions without those standardized tests. Statutory colleges are excluded from the bill’s coverage.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available record suggests a policy-driven effort to reduce reliance on existing standardized tests in public college admissions rather than a contested compromise. The bill’s structure indicates support for a phased transition away from SAT/ACT use, while still allowing a temporary period in which applicants may submit scores if they choose. No voting history or transcript evidence is available to show formal support or opposition.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the role of standardized testing in admissions: supporters would favor limiting SAT/ACT use to broaden access and reduce test-based barriers, while opponents may argue that standardized tests provide a common benchmark for comparing applicants. Another potential issue is the mandate for SUNY and CUNY to create a new test, which could raise concerns about feasibility, cost, implementation timing, and whether a new exam would simply replace one standardized barrier with another. The bill also distinguishes between resident applicants and other applicants, and excludes statutory colleges, which could create questions about consistency and scope.