What's happening
This bill creates a commission to study how school start times affect adolescent health and academic performance in New York.
Why it matters
The bill requires a thorough review of current scientific research. on adolescent sleep needs and how early school start times impact student health and academic outcomes—meaning future policy could be guided by up-to-date, evidence-based information.
It tasks the commission with examining real-world results. from districts in New York that have already shifted to later start times, including impacts on student health, safety, and statewide test performance, which could reveal practical challenges and benefits.
By identifying resources and support for districts,. the commission may pave the way for statewide standards aligned with expert recommendations (like those from the American Academy of Pediatrics), potentially influencing how local schools structure their days.
The commission’s findings could directly shape future state legislation,. as it is required to propose any laws or policy changes needed to implement its recommendations, signaling possible changes for schools, families, and communities across New York.
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Who cares
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Study School Start Times
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History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8668
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
October 23, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. L. ROSENTHAL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Education
AN ACT directing the commissioner of education to establish a commission to study the needs of adolescents and the effect that school day start times have on the health and academic performance of students; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The commissioner of education is hereby authorized and directed to create a commission to study and create a report on the sleep needs of adolescents and the effect that school day start times have on the health and academic performance of students.
§ 2. The commission shall:
(i) study the feasibility of all schools in New York state implementing later school day start times;
(ii) conduct a review of the scientific findings relative to sleep needs of adolescents and the effect that school day start times have on the health and academic performance of students;
(iii) determine the number of districts in the state that have implemented later school day start times for schools and examine the health and safety impacts and academic performance of students, including performance on statewide tests; and
(iv) identify resources and opportunities to assist districts in implementing minimum standards for healthy school day start times for schools consistent with the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
§ 3. The commission shall consist of a total of nine members who shall be appointed not later than the thirtieth day after the effective date of this section and shall include:
(i) two members appointed by the governor;
(ii) two members appointed by the temporary president of the senate;
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14011-01-9
A. 8668 2
(iii) two members appointed by the speaker of the assembly; and
(iv) three members appointed by the commissioner of the department of education, one such member shall be a doctor specializing in sleep medicine.
§ 4. One of the appointments by the governor shall serve as chairperson of the commission.
§ 5. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties.
§ 6. All departments, divisions, bureaus, commissions, districts or agencies of the state or any political subdivisions thereof shall, at the request of the chairperson, provide the commission with such facilities, assistance and data as will enable the commission to carry out its powers and duties.
§ 7. The commission shall make a report to the governor and the legislature of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations not later than one year after the effective date of this section, and shall submit with its report such legislative proposals as it deems necessary to implement its recommendations.
§ 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed eighteen months after such date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.