What's happening
This bill requires the state to reimburse non-public and private schools for costs related to state-mandated COVID-19 testing.
Why it matters
Levels the financial playing field. By reimbursing non-public and private schools for state-mandated COVID-19 testing, the bill ensures these schools are not disproportionately burdened with unexpected public health costs compared to public schools, which often already receive state support.
Supports continuity of in-person education. The legislation helps non-public and private schools comply with health mandates without diverting resources from educational programs, making it more feasible for them to remain open for in-person learning during public health crises.
State accountability for mandates. By requiring reimbursement, the bill holds the state financially responsible for the mandates it issues, which may encourage careful consideration before imposing future health requirements on schools.
Potential impact on public funding priorities. Allocating state funds for private and non-public school reimbursements could influence future budget decisions and debates about the role of state support for non-public education.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Non-public and private schools
The bill would require the state to reimburse their costs associated with state-mandated COVID-19 testing tied to in-person instruction and settings.
Commissioner of education
The bill would require the commissioner to adopt necessary rules or regulations and establish a process for reimbursing eligible costs.
Students, teachers and staff at non-public and private schools
The bill would cover schools’ costs associated with state-mandated COVID-19 testing of these groups.
Headline styles
Reimburse Private School COVID Tests
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
638
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 8, 2025
Introduced by M. of A. HEVESI, BRABENEC, DINOWITZ, TAYLOR, TAGUE, EICHENSTEIN -- read once and referred to the Committee on Education
AN ACT relating to requiring the state to reimburse non-public and private schools where COVID testing is mandated
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, where COVID-19 testing of students, teachers and staff is mandated by the state pursuant to executive order or other directive relating to in-person instruction and settings, the state shall reimburse all nonpublic and private schools that are subject to such mandate for the costs associated with such testing requirements. The commissioner of education shall adopt necessary rules and/or regulations and provide a process and procedure to ensure the reimbursement of eligible costs pursuant to this act.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01373-01-5
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.