New York Assembly Bill A10167

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/26
• Refer: 2/12/26

Caption

Directs the commissioner of education, in consultation with the board of regents, to establish and develop a curriculum on healthy relationship building skills

Impact

If enacted, A10167 will significantly impact educational practices in New York schools by integrating emotional learning and relationship-building skills into the formal curriculum. The bill emphasizes developmental approaches tailored to different age groups, ensuring that foundational concepts of friendship and empathy are taught from an early age, advancing to more complex topics like consent and power dynamics in relationships for older students. This adds a layer of education that aims to prevent bullying and promote respectful relationships, potentially reducing incidents of unhealthy dynamics both in school and later in life.

Summary

Bill A10167 aims to amend the Education Law by introducing a curriculum focused on healthy relationship building skills for school students in New York. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the board of regents, to develop age-appropriate curricula for different grade levels. The curriculum will cover essential topics such as friendship, empathy, active listening, managing conflicts, consent, and understanding power dynamics in relationships. It is designed to enhance emotional intelligence among students and prepare them for healthier interpersonal interactions as they grow.

Contention

While there are provisions for parents to review materials and opt their children out of certain content, such as romantic relationships or sexual consent education, mandatory components focused on emotional intelligence and communication cannot be waived. This may lead to contention among parents and educators regarding the extent of the curriculum, as some may argue the appropriateness of certain topics being taught at different developmental stages. Addressing these concerns will be critical for the bill's implementation and acceptance within diverse school communities.