New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06696

Introduced
3/19/25  
Refer
3/19/25  

Caption

Allows the state and city university of New York system to offer college credits to prospective students based on such prospective student's performance on the regents examinations.

Summary

Bill S06696 proposes to amend the education law in New York to allow students to earn college credits based on their performance on regents examinations. Specifically, students who achieve an average score of eighty across all ten regents examinations and earn a regents diploma will receive three college credits towards general coursework at a university. Higher scores on fewer examinations can yield additional credits, with provisions for students achieving an average score of ninety across four examinations to receive six credits. Each university will have discretion over how these credits can be applied to general education coursework in consultation with the student.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly impact the higher education landscape in New York by incentivizing high school students to perform well on regents examinations. It establishes a direct link between high school performance and college credit, potentially reducing the time and cost for students pursuing higher education. The bill does not make regents exams mandatory starting in the 2027-2028 school year, which may lead to changes in how students approach their education and assessment.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S06696 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with support for the idea of rewarding academic achievement through college credits. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of linking high school performance to college credit, particularly among educators and institutions that may worry about the pressure this places on students and the potential for inequities in access to resources that support exam preparation.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential pressure on students to perform on regents exams and the implications of not making these exams mandatory. Some educators and stakeholders may argue that this could exacerbate inequalities among students who have varying levels of support and resources. Additionally, there may be concerns about the effectiveness of regents exams as a measure of readiness for college-level coursework.

Companion Bills

NY A06905

Same As Allows the state and city university of New York system to offer college credits to prospective students based on such prospective student's performance on the regents examinations.

Previously Filed As

NY A06905

Allows the state and city university of New York system to offer college credits to prospective students based on such prospective student's performance on the regents examinations.

NY A08033

Requires the city university of New York and state university of New York have education programs for prospective teachers, administrators, and counselors for teaching immigrant-origin students that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion, and is multilingual.

NY S01029

Establishes a common articulation policy at the state of New York and city of New York university systems for granting college credit bearing coursework based upon successful performance on standardized exams completed by high school students.

NY S1700

To ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff on the campuses of state colleges, community colleges and state universities

NY HB112

Requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test.

NY HCR53

Requesting The University Of Hawaii Board Of Regents To Conduct A Systemwide Associate Degree Completion Audit.

NY HR49

Requesting The University Of Hawaii Board Of Regents To Conduct A Systemwide Associate Degree Completion Audit.

NY SB484

Transfers certain duties from the Board of Regents to the management boards of public colleges and universities and Louisiana Works. (8/1/26)

NY A07927

Requires the state university of New York and the city university of New York to examine and conduct a study on the availability of campus services, programs and resources for veteran students.

NY S00793

Allows CUNY community college students to transfer all earned credits to a New York state university.

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