New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00840

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred as a result of an influx of migrant students entering the schools of the districts; directs the governor to submit chapter amendments to the Aid to Localities budget.

Summary

S00840 would amend the Education Law to require the state to provide additional reimbursement to school districts for actual expenses incurred because of an influx of migrant students. The bill creates a new Education Law section directing that districts be repaid for qualifying costs tied to enrolling and serving these students, and it requires the governor to submit chapter amendments to the Aid to Localities budget within 30 days after the school year begins to fund that reimbursement. The bill also establishes a voucher-based payment process: school districts would submit certified vouchers for actual expenses, and reimbursement would be paid after audit by the chief fiscal officer for the district. The measure takes effect immediately and is framed as a state-level fiscal response to increased enrollment pressures on local school systems.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new state reimbursement obligation in the Education Law for school districts experiencing costs from an influx of migrant students. It would affect state budgeting and aid-to-localities appropriations by requiring the executive branch to propose budget amendments and by creating a mechanism for districts to seek repayment of documented expenses. School districts, state budget officials, and the governor’s office would be the primary parties affected, with the practical impact depending on how expenses are defined, audited, and funded.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no documented legislative debate or voting pattern to assess. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be presented as a targeted fiscal relief proposal for school districts facing increased enrollment-related costs. The overall framing suggests support for local districts, but the absence of discussion records means the broader sentiment in committee or on the floor cannot be determined from the available materials.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be whether the state should bear the full cost of expenses associated with migrant student enrollment, rather than local school districts absorbing those costs through existing aid formulas. Another likely issue is how to define and verify “actual expenses” attributable to an influx of migrant students, since the bill relies on certified vouchers and audit procedures. Fiscal impact, budget priority, and the scope of reimbursement eligibility would likely be the central areas of disagreement among supporters, budget officials, and any opponents concerned about state spending.

Companion Bills

NY A01041

Same As Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred as a result of an influx of migrant students entering the schools of the districts; directs the governor to submit chapter amendments to the Aid to Localities budget.

Previously Filed As

NY A01041

Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred as a result of an influx of migrant students entering the schools of the districts; directs the governor to submit chapter amendments to the Aid to Localities budget.

NY S00104

Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred for failure to receive timely payments of state aid, including expenses relating to interest payments and ancillary expenses incurred as a result of not having received aid in a timely manner.

NY S00469

Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred for failure to receive timely payments of state aid, including expenses relating to interest payments and ancillary expenses incurred as a result of not having received aid in a timely manner.

NY A03560

Relates to providing additional reimbursement to school districts for expenses incurred for failure to receive timely payments of state aid, including expenses relating to interest payments and ancillary expenses incurred as a result of not having received aid in a timely manner.

PA HB2025

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, providing for reimbursements for borrowing costs during budget impasse; and establishing the School District Impasse Recovery Fund.

PA HB2307

In reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for extraordinary special education program expenses.

WV SB758

Providing extra state aid to school districts for students enrolled in certain schools

ND HB1475

Providing breakfast and lunch to all students of participating entities, including school districts, nonpublic schools, and tribal schools, at no cost to the student.

IA SF186

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to the executive officers of the boards of directors of school districts and authorizing residents and employees to request audits of school districts.

IA SF2090

A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to the executive officers of the boards of directors of school districts and authorizing residents and employees to request audits of school districts.

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