New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08395

Introduced
5/13/25  

Caption

Authorizes a weighted selection process prioritizing children who would be eligible to receive free or reduced price lunch and/or who are emergent multilingual learners for the allocation of certain prekindergarten seats in school districts where there are more eligible children than can be served in a given school year.

Impact

If enacted, A08395 would have significant implications for state laws governing prekindergarten admissions. The amendment would introduce a framework for districts to prioritize specific vulnerable populations when filling prekindergarten seats, which could lead to increased enrollment of children who historically have been underrepresented in early education programs. By mandating that selection processes take socio-economic status and language needs into account, the bill seeks to foster inclusivity and support early learning for all children, particularly those who may face barriers to access due to their circumstances.

Summary

Bill A08395 proposes to amend the education law to allow a weighted selection process for the allocation of prekindergarten seats in school districts where demand exceeds availability. The bill emphasizes prioritizing children who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch and those identified as emergent multilingual learners. This approach aims to create a more equitable allocation of educational resources, ensuring that children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those facing language barriers are given priority access to early childhood education.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to enhance access to prekindergarten for disadvantaged groups, it may also attract some contention regarding the perceived fairness of using a weighted selection process. Critics may argue that prioritizing certain groups could inadvertently disadvantage children from other backgrounds. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding the implementation logistics for school districts, including how to effectively measure eligibility and ensure compliance with the new selection criteria without creating further disparities.

Companion Bills

NY S01491

Same As Authorizes a weighted selection process prioritizing children who would be eligible to receive free or reduced price lunch and/or who are emergent multilingual learners for the allocation of certain prekindergarten seats in school districts where there are more eligible children than can be served in a given school year.

Previously Filed As

NY A08074

Authorizes a weighted selection process prioritizing children who would be eligible to receive free or reduced price lunch and/or who are emergent multilingual learners for the allocation of certain prekindergarten seats in school districts where there are more eligible children than can be served in a given school year.

NY S07842

Authorizes a weighted selection process prioritizing children who would be eligible to receive free or reduced price lunch and/or who are emergent multilingual learners for the allocation of certain prekindergarten seats in school districts where there are more eligible children than can be served in a given school year.

NY S06358

Requires that parents of students at student orientations, back to school nights, or other beginning of year events, at schools that participate in the national school lunch program or school breakfast program, receive notification of eligibility, and access to application, for free or reduced price meals for students.

NY A06850

Requires that parents of students at student orientations, back to school nights, or other beginning of year events, at schools that participate in the national school lunch program or school breakfast program, receive notification of eligibility, and access to application, for free or reduced price meals for students.

NY A02016

Authorizes the abatement of real property taxes in certain cases of catastrophic loss; establishes procedures therefor; limits eligibility to one, two, or three family houses; applies to all municipal and school taxes.

NY S05923

Authorizes the abatement of real property taxes in certain cases of catastrophic loss; establishes procedures therefor; limits eligibility to one, two, or three family houses; applies to all municipal and school taxes.

NY S04865

Provides that no eligible children who are less than four years old without regard to family income do not have to pay a premium payment.

NY A07957

Requires eligible agencies that receive state funding for universal prekindergarten located in a city with a population of one million or more to accept administration for children's services child care vouchers if such eligible agency is a licensed or registered child care setting.

NY S01210

Relates to authorizing the payment of costs, up to eighty dollars, of diapers for an eligible child two years of age or younger for children receiving safety net assistance.

NY A02872

Relates to authorizing the payment of costs, up to eighty dollars, of diapers for an eligible child two years of age or younger for children receiving safety net assistance.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.