New York Senate Bill S08202

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Creates a computer science course requirement for graduation from high school; directs the department of education to design and implement such program.

Summary

This bill would add a new section to the Education Law requiring every high school student in New York to complete one computer science course in order to receive a diploma. The bill defines computer science broadly to include the study of computers, algorithms, hardware, software design, implementation, and the societal impacts of technology. It also allows the required course to be taken in middle school or high school, and permits a course to satisfy other existing graduation requirements if a district chooses. The bill directs the State Education Department to create an approved list of computer science courses by July 1, 2028, make that list public, and establish a new state computer science supervisor position to oversee implementation. Public high schools and charter schools would generally have to offer computer science in person, with virtual or distance options allowed only when a traditional classroom is not feasible. The bill also requires districts to report course offerings and instructor demographics, and requires the department to publish that data publicly.

Impact

The bill would amend the Education Law by creating a new statewide graduation requirement and adding related reporting, oversight, and teacher-preparation mandates. It would also amend section 3004 to require teacher preparation programs, beginning July 1, 2030, to include instruction in computer science and information technology skills for professional certification candidates. In addition, the bill creates waiver mechanisms for districts and students if a computer science course is not available or cannot be completed, and it authorizes the department to adopt implementing regulations before the effective date. The act takes effect July 1, 2028, with the district and student waiver/reporting provisions expiring July 1, 2032.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears policy-driven and supportive of expanding computer science education rather than contested in the available record. The bill’s structure suggests an effort to phase in the requirement gradually, with implementation dates, public reporting, and waiver options designed to make the mandate more workable for districts. No formal opposition or recorded vote history is provided here.

Contention

The main likely points of contention are implementation burden, staffing, and access. School districts may object to the cost and logistics of adding a new graduation requirement, especially where qualified computer science teachers or in-person course offerings are limited. The bill addresses that concern through district and student waivers, but those waivers could also be seen as weakening the mandate or creating uneven access across districts. Another possible issue is the requirement for reporting instructor demographics and course data, which may raise administrative concerns for districts.