NY
New York Assembly Bill A08971

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08971

Introduced
8/13/25  

Caption

Establishes a committee to conduct a survey of instruction on Italian American heritage and issue a report on such survey.

Impact

Following the survey, the committee will compile detailed results and, if necessary, offer recommendations to improve the incorporation of Italian American heritage into school curricula. The bill requires the findings to be reported to key governmental figures, including the governor and legislative leaders, ensuring that the conclusions are shared with those in positions of authority. In doing so, A08971 seeks to elevate the presence of Italian American history within the overall educational framework of New York State, thereby aiming to foster a greater cultural understanding among students.

Summary

Assembly Bill A08971, titled the 'New York Italian American Heritage Education Equity Act', aims to establish a committee dedicated to surveying the current state of Italian American heritage education across New York schools. The bill mandates that the commissioner of education conduct a comprehensive survey to assess how school districts are currently addressing this area of instruction, including aspects such as curricular content, instructional time, and educator training. The findings from this survey are intended to illuminate both the extent and quality of existing educational efforts regarding Italian American heritage history.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of resources for this educational initiative. Critics could argue that the establishment of another advisory committee could divert funds and attention from other critical educational issues. Furthermore, opinions may vary on the importance of emphasizing Italian American heritage compared to other cultural histories, potentially leading to debates about equity and representation in the curriculum. The bill's mechanism for addressing challenges faced by districts in this context, including support and professional development, may also trigger discussions about efficacy and inclusivity in educational policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S04721

Makes conducting unlawful surveillance by use of a drone unlawful surveillance in the second degree.

NY J00583

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 19-25, 2023, as Surveyors' Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Surveyors Week

NY J01867

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 17-23, 2024, as Surveyors Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Surveyors Week

NY K00977

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 17-23, 2024, as Surveyors Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Surveyors Week

NY S04331

Relates to requiring building condition surveys to be conducted on public school buildings constructed prior to 1950 every other year and a visual inspection in alternate years.

NY S03110

Establishes the office of wastewater surveillance; creates a grant program; provides such office shall monitor wastewater testing and analyze wastewater test results; provides the grant program shall assist labs in conducting wastewater testing; establishes an advisory council which shall provide advice on: best practices for wastewater sampling, testing and test results analysis; the creation of standards and systems of reporting on wastewater surveillance; the creation of a dashboard; integrate wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 into the office of wastewater surveillance; and any topics deemed essential by the commissioner of health.

NY A06675

Establishes the office of wastewater surveillance; creates a grant program; provides such office shall monitor wastewater testing and analyze wastewater test results; provides the grant program shall assist labs in conducting wastewater testing; establishes an advisory council which shall provide advice on: best practices for wastewater sampling, testing and test results analysis; the creation of standards and systems of reporting on wastewater surveillance; the creation of a dashboard; integrate wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 into the office of wastewater surveillance; and any topics deemed essential by the commissioner of health.

NY A03098

Requires professional engineers, land surveyors and professional geologists to report structural faults within forty-eight hours.

NY K00199

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 19-25, 2023, as Surveyors Week in the State of New York

NY J02389

Commending Johnny Farina upon the occasion of his designation as the 2024 Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators

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