New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08984

Introduced
8/13/25  

Caption

Requires the state board of law examiners to establish protocols for addressing emergencies that occur during the administration of the bar examination, and to provide testing accommodations for persons who have applied for examination for admission to practice and are the subject of, or a witness to, or are affected by the emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates the State Board of Law Examiners to create protocols that include immediate medical assistance for persons who suffer injuries during the examination, as well as measures to pause the exam when emergencies are observed. Additionally, the bill stipulates that affected candidates may receive testing accommodations, such as additional time to complete their exam and the option to retake the exam without penalty within a specified period. These amendments are designed to ensure that all candidates have equitable access to the exam regardless of unforeseen circumstances.

Summary

Bill A08984, also known as the 'Clock Should Stop Act', aims to amend the judiciary law by establishing necessary protocols for managing emergencies that occur during the New York State bar examination. One of the primary motivations for this legislation stemmed from a tragic incident in July 2025 when a bar exam candidate suffered a medical emergency during the exam. During this event, there were reported delays in summoning emergency help, and the examination continued without pausing, raising concerns about the welfare of the test-takers and the integrity of the examination process.

Contention

The proposed changes highlight a significant shift in how emergencies during high-stakes examinations are managed, emphasizing both the need for rapid response and the protection of exam integrity. Critics of the traditional approach argue that without proper protocols, candidates’ rights and well-being can be compromised. By addressing these issues, Bill A08984 seeks to prevent past mistakes and create a safer examination environment for future test-takers. The creation of such protocols is not only about adherence to safety but also about ensuring fairness in the examination process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A03516

Requires that space be provided on applications for a civil service examination, claims for unemployment benefits, applications for the practice of a profession or occupation, state income tax returns, and applications to register a motor vehicle, for the applicant to register in the "donate life registry" for organ, eye and tissue donation established pursuant to section 4310 of the public health law.

NY A05645

Prohibits a court from ordering certain physical examinations of the victim of a sexual assault; relates to the admissibility of evidence of the refusal of such victim to undergo such examinations.

NY A07227

Provides for the temporary surrender of firearms to the police by any person who is taken into custody by the police for the purpose of a mental examination and prior to an examination ordered pursuant to article seven hundred thirty of the criminal procedure law; requires a "cooling off period" following the discharge from psychiatric care during which time firearms, which came into police custody during the person's pre-hospitalization intervention or during hospitalization, may be kept in police custody for thirty days, or after a psychiatric examiner has determined whether the person is a threat to himself or herself or others; provides that a judge of the local jurisdiction may order an early return of the firearms if he or she determines that it would be appropriate to do so.

NY S07958

Provides that every person who has served in more than one time of war shall be entitled to additional credit as a veteran or disabled veteran in competitive examinations for original appointment or promotion for every such time of war during which such person served, regardless of whether any such person has utilized such credit for a competitive examination for original appointment or a competitive examination for promotion.

NY A02759

Allows reservists who have served or who are currently serving in the United States armed forces to be eligible for 2.5 points on civil service examinations.

NY S05938

Allows reservists who have served or who are currently serving in the United States armed forces to be eligible for 2.5 points on civil service examinations.

NY A03763

Establishes maximum age requirements for New York city correction officers; provides that the commissioner of correction shall not appoint a person as a correction officer if such person is more than thirty-five years of age as of the date of the applicant's appointment or eligibility to compete in a promotion examination.

NY S05491

Establishes maximum age requirements for New York city correction officers; provides that the commissioner of correction shall not appoint a person as a correction officer if such person is more than thirty-five years of age as of the date of the applicant's appointment or eligibility to compete in a promotion examination.

NY A09594

Provides that applicants for or recipients of food stamps shall not be subjected to finger imaging as a requirement of the food stamp program.

NY A00674

Provides that any standardized test or examination shall not be subject to any time limitation when administered by the city district.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.