New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01945

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  

Caption

Enacts the "educational equity and choice act"; requires nonpublic schools to provide the same services that public schools currently provide to nonpublic schools; provides that such costs shall be approved by the commissioner of education and borne by the state; makes related provisions.

Summary

Bill S01945, known as the "educational equity and choice act," aims to amend the education law in New York by requiring nonpublic schools to provide the same services that public schools offer. This includes health and welfare services, textbooks, computer software, and transportation services. The bill mandates that all costs associated with these services be approved by the commissioner of education and borne by the state, ensuring that nonpublic school students have access to the same educational resources as their public school counterparts.

Impact

The passage of this bill would significantly alter the landscape of educational funding and resource allocation in New York. It would require the state to finance services for nonpublic school students, which could lead to increased state expenditures. Additionally, it would create a framework for accountability and oversight by the commissioner of education regarding the services provided by nonpublic schools, potentially impacting how these institutions operate and are funded.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S01945 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that it promotes educational equity and ensures that all students, regardless of the type of school they attend, receive necessary services. However, there are concerns about the financial implications for the state budget and whether it could lead to an unfair advantage for nonpublic schools over public schools, which may face budgetary constraints.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the financial burden placed on the state to fund services for nonpublic school students, which some lawmakers argue could divert resources from public schools. Additionally, there are concerns from public school advocates about the potential for nonpublic schools to receive preferential treatment in terms of funding and resources, raising questions about fairness and equity in the education system.

Companion Bills

NY A02279

Same As Enacts the "educational equity and choice act"; requires nonpublic schools to provide the same services that public schools currently provide to nonpublic schools; provides that such costs shall be approved by the commissioner of education and borne by the state; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY A02279

Enacts the "educational equity and choice act"; requires nonpublic schools to provide the same services that public schools currently provide to nonpublic schools; provides that such costs shall be approved by the commissioner of education and borne by the state; makes related provisions.

NY S09885

Provides that reimbursement payable for grants for nonpublic school safety equipment shall be paid within twelve months of the nonpublic school furnishing all required application materials for such grant to the department of education; requires the commissioner of education to report on any such reimbursements payable.

NY A10618

Provides that reimbursement payable for grants for nonpublic school safety equipment shall be paid within twelve months of the nonpublic school furnishing all required application materials for such grant to the department of education; requires the commissioner of education to report on any such reimbursements payable.

NY A1603

Requires Commissioner of Education to develop educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools.

NY HB5124

Relating to the eligibility of nonpublic schools and education service providers to participate in the Hope Scholarship Program

NY HB3327

Relating to the eligibility of nonpublic schools and education service providers to participate in the Hope Scholarship Program

NY A4907

Provides that unexpended nonpublic textbook aid or aid for Nonpublic Technology Initiative may be used to support services provided under other program.

NY A03379

Relates to providing notice to school districts and nonpublic schools located in New York city of certain construction projects; requires the New York city department of transportation to provide written notice to such school districts and nonpublic schools of certain construction projects undertaken within three hundred feet of a building of such school districts or nonpublic schools.

NY S01186

Relates to providing notice to school districts and nonpublic schools located in New York city of certain construction projects; requires the New York city department of transportation to provide written notice to such school districts and nonpublic schools of certain construction projects undertaken within three hundred feet of a building of such school districts or nonpublic schools.

NY HF251

A bill for an act requiring the state board of education to publish information related to nonpublic schools that are accredited by an approved independent accrediting agency.

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

TX HB5663

Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2026 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2025 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2022 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

VA HB29

Chaptered