New York Assembly Bill A08912

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/16/25
• Refer: 7/16/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires gambling be taught in health education classes for elementary, junior and senior high school students.

Summary

This bill amends the New York education law to add gambling to the list of topics that must be covered in school health education. It would require instruction on the misuse and abuse of gambling, alongside alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, in elementary school health education and as part of required health courses in junior and senior high school. The bill also updates related provisions so that gambling is included in curriculum guidance, teacher preparation, and school health resources. The measure keeps the existing structure of section 804 of the education law but broadens its scope to explicitly address gambling as a health education topic. It does not create a separate program or mandate new testing standards; rather, it inserts gambling into the current framework for health instruction, curriculum development, and teacher training. The bill takes effect immediately if enacted.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend section 804 of the Education Law to require school districts to include gambling prevention and awareness in health education curricula for grades K-12, with age-appropriate instruction at the elementary level and required health-course coverage in secondary school. It would affect school districts, teachers certified in health education, curriculum developers, and the State Education Department/Board of Regents, which oversee curriculum guidance and teacher preparation. The bill would also align gambling with existing statutory language on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, making gambling a formal subject of mandated health instruction statewide.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally supportive or preventive framing, with the bill presented as a public-health and student-wellbeing measure rather than a controversial expansion of school curriculum. The caption indicates the sponsor’s intent is to ensure students are taught about gambling in health classes, and the bill text mirrors established instruction on substance misuse and related harms. No committee transcript or vote record is available here, so there is no evidence of recorded opposition or formal debate in the provided materials.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is whether gambling belongs in the required health curriculum and how much instructional time schools should devote to it. Supporters would likely view the bill as a needed response to youth exposure to gambling and problem gambling risks, while critics might question curriculum crowding, local control, or whether gambling should be treated similarly to substance abuse topics. Because no transcripts or votes are provided, the specific positions of legislators, educators, or advocacy groups are not documented in the available record.