New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08974

Introduced

8/13/25

Refer

8/13/25

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, A08974 would lead to the establishment of a Jewish heritage advisory committee, comprising four appointed experts in Jewish heritage and education. This committee's role will include providing insights and recommendations based on the survey results. They are tasked with meeting at least quarterly and must submit their findings and suggested improvements to the commissioner within two years. This initiative is set to expire three years after its effective date unless further action is taken to prolong it, thereby ensuring a temporary yet impactful approach to integrating Jewish heritage in schools.

Summary

A08974, titled the 'New York Jewish Heritage Education Equity Act', aims to enhance the teaching of Jewish heritage within the state's educational curriculum. The bill mandates the commissioner of education to conduct a comprehensive survey that assesses the extent and quality of instruction about Jewish heritage across school districts. This survey will gather data on various aspects of education, including the learning standards used, grade levels targeted, instructional time allotted, and existing social studies curricula. The findings will form the basis for further recommendations to improve educational practices related to Jewish heritage.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions concerning the representation of Jewish heritage education within the context of broader curriculum standards. Proponents argue that it is crucial to include diverse cultural histories in educational systems to foster inclusivity and understanding among students. Critics may raise concerns about the bill's potential implications on educational resources and its prioritization in a curriculum already under strain from various educational reforms. The extent of commitment and resources required from schools to align with the recommendations of the impending survey may also be a point of contention.

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

NY J00432

Commending the Inductees and Honorees of the Jewish Sports Heritage Association, Inc. on April 23, 2023

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

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