New York Senate Bill S08287

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/30/25
• Refer: 5/30/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Enacts "Alexandra's law" to require school districts and charter schools to include in the curriculum or instruction teaching students how to recognize and react to rip currents, rip tides and undertows.

Summary

S08287, known as "Alexandra's Law," would amend the New York Education Law to require school districts and charter schools to include instruction on how to recognize and react to rip currents, rip tides, and undertows. The required instruction must be placed in an appropriate part of the curriculum for middle school and high school students, and districts are directed to consult with the American Red Cross and any other appropriate agency when developing the instruction. The bill also requires school districts and charter schools to adopt policies and procedures governing the selection of instructional materials used to implement the new curriculum requirement. The measure is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and would apply to school years beginning on or after that date, with immediate authorization for any rules or regulations needed to carry it out.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new section 804-e to the Education Law and create a statewide curriculum mandate for public school districts and charter schools in New York. It would require middle and high school students to receive safety instruction on ocean hazards, and it would place implementation responsibilities on local education providers, including material selection and consultation with outside safety experts. The bill would not create a new criminal or regulatory enforcement scheme, but it would impose a new educational requirement on schools.

Sentiment

Based on the bill caption and text, the measure appears to be framed as a public safety and student protection initiative, with a straightforward educational purpose. No committee transcripts or votes are available, so there is no recorded debate or formal voting history to indicate broader support or opposition. The available record suggests a neutral-to-supportive policy approach centered on preventing drowning and improving awareness of dangerous water conditions.

Contention

There is no documented committee discussion or vote history in the provided materials, so no specific points of contention are recorded. Potential areas of concern, based on the bill itself, could include curriculum crowding, local control over instructional content, and the burden on districts and charter schools to develop or source appropriate materials and consult with outside agencies. However, these concerns are not reflected in any available testimony or vote record here.