New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01120

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Requires the commissioner of education of the state of New York to conduct a study on the sufficiency of current education aid apportionment formulas, make recommendations for improvements to such formulas and deliver a report of such findings and recommendations and provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Summary

This bill requires the New York State Commissioner of Education to conduct a comprehensive study of the state’s current education aid apportionment formulas and to recommend improvements. The study must examine whether existing formulas are sufficient and must include an assessment of the impact of the state tax cap on school funding needs, increased costs faced by school districts, changes in district wealth, and the effect of state mandates such as higher learning standards and testing requirements. The commissioner must also identify potential new aid formulas and may coordinate with other state agencies and use their data and resources as needed. A report of findings and recommendations must be delivered to the governor and legislative leaders, as well as the chairs of the education committees, by December 31, 2026. The act takes effect immediately and is temporary, expiring and being repealed on January 1, 2027.

Impact

The bill does not immediately change school aid formulas or appropriations, but it directs the Education Department to produce a formal policy study that could inform future changes to New York’s school funding laws. It would temporarily authorize interagency cooperation and data sharing for the study, and it creates a reporting obligation to the executive and legislative branches. Because the measure sunsets in 2027, its legal effect is limited to the study period unless later legislation adopts its recommendations.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is generally procedural and exploratory rather than controversial on its face. Its purpose is to evaluate whether current school aid formulas adequately reflect district needs, tax cap constraints, and state-imposed costs, which typically appeals to lawmakers concerned about education finance fairness and adequacy. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction.

Contention

The main substantive issue flagged by the bill is whether New York’s current education aid formulas are sufficient in light of the property tax cap, rising district costs, changing district wealth, and state mandates. Those topics can be contentious because they implicate how much state aid should increase, how funding should be distributed among districts, and whether the state should adjust formulas to account for local fiscal pressure. Potential points of disagreement would likely come from stakeholders favoring greater aid for underfunded districts versus those concerned about state spending growth or changes to existing allocation methods.

Companion Bills

NY A04308

Same As Requires the commissioner of education of the state of New York to conduct a study on the sufficiency of current education aid apportionment formulas, make recommendations for improvements to such formulas and deliver a report of such findings and recommendations and provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Previously Filed As

NY A03144

Requires the commissioner of education of the state of New York to conduct a study on the sufficiency of current education aid apportionment formulas, make recommendations for improvements to such formulas and deliver a report of such findings and recommendations and provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY A04308

Requires the commissioner of education of the state of New York to conduct a study on the sufficiency of current education aid apportionment formulas, make recommendations for improvements to such formulas and deliver a report of such findings and recommendations and provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY S05666

Directs the department of health to conduct a study on opening three new veterans nursing homes in New York state; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY A10990

Establishes the New York state rural ambulance services task force to conduct annual studies on the availability of ambulance services in rural areas and to make recommendations upon the findings of such studies; requires the department of health to submit an annual report detailing the findings of such studies.

NY S09664

Establishes the New York state rural ambulance services task force to conduct annual studies on the availability of ambulance services in rural areas and to make recommendations upon the findings of such studies; requires the department of health to submit an annual report detailing the findings of such studies.

NY S02505

Establishes a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on the presence of educator diversity in the state, state actions taken to promote educator diversity, and how the state can encourage new initiatives to enhance and promote educator diversity in New York; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY HB261345

Concerning higher education funding, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations in the report on the higher education funding allocation formula.

NY S04841

Establishes the "blue-ribbon commission on the future of New York state's service delivery system for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities act" to conduct a study and prepare a report to examine, evaluate and make recommendations for systemic reforms to ensure a sustainable set of supports and services that meets the evolving needs of all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY H555

Establishing a legislative commission to study and make recommendations regarding the chapter 70 funding formula

NY S08043

Directs the commissioner of mental health to conduct a study of child- and youth-targeted mobile crisis outreach teams in New York state, and deliver a report including the findings and recommendations of such study to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.