New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06581

Introduced
3/18/25  
Refer
3/18/25  

Caption

Requires school districts and board of cooperative educational services to pay physical therapists and occupational therapists in alignment with the department's career ladder pathway framework; makes related provisions.

Summary

Bill S06581 amends the education law in New York to enhance the compensation and professional development opportunities for physical therapists and occupational therapists employed in school districts and boards of cooperative educational services. It mandates that these therapists be categorized and compensated according to the department's career ladder pathway framework, ensuring alignment with established professional standards. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to provide leadership opportunities for these therapists, promoting a collaborative approach to professional learning and support.

Impact

The bill's enactment will impact the compensation structure for physical and occupational therapists within New York's educational system, requiring school districts to adhere to a standardized pay scale based on the career ladder framework. This change aims to improve retention and recruitment of qualified therapists, ultimately enhancing the quality of health and welfare services provided to students. It also emphasizes the importance of professional development and leadership roles for therapists, which may lead to improved educational outcomes.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S06581 appears to be positive, as it addresses the need for better compensation and professional growth opportunities for therapists in schools. Discussions indicate a recognition of the critical role these professionals play in supporting student health and wellness, although specific voting history and committee discussions are not available to gauge detailed opinions.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the funding and implementation of the proposed changes, particularly concerning how school districts will manage the financial implications of aligning therapist salaries with the new framework. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the feasibility of providing leadership opportunities and professional development within existing budget constraints, although specific dissenting opinions were not documented in the available discussions.

Companion Bills

NY A04820

Same As Requires school districts and board of cooperative educational services to pay physical therapists and occupational therapists in alignment with the department's career ladder pathway framework; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY A03336

Requires school districts and board of cooperative educational services to pay physical therapists and occupational therapists in alignment with the department's career ladder pathway framework; makes related provisions.

NY A04820

Requires school districts and board of cooperative educational services to pay physical therapists and occupational therapists in alignment with the department's career ladder pathway framework; makes related provisions.

NY S08286

Includes physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, and recreational therapists within the existing statutory staffing standards for nursing homes.

NY AB2497

Physical therapists.

NY AB1009

Teacher credentialing: administrative services credential: occupational and physical therapists.

NY HB585

Revise provider rate laws for physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists

NY SB366

Board of Physical Therapy rule relating to general provisions for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants

NY HB1231

Physical Therapists Perform Sports Physicals

NY HB2018

Schools; definitions; granting physical and occupational therapists certified teacher benefits; effective date; emergency.

NY HB2018

Schools; definitions; granting physical and occupational therapists certified teacher benefits; effective date; emergency.

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