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Bill

Bill

S 79

ACCESS Act

119th Congress Introduced by James Lankford and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 79 ensures special education students are reassigned to new schools before closures or major changes, protecting their education and support services.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 79

Summary of Bill S 79

Bill Overview

Bill Number: S 79
Title: Requires that all special education students attending schools scheduled to be closed or to undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closing or change
Status: Referred to Education
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 79 is to ensure that special education students are not adversely affected by school closures or significant changes in their educational environment. The bill mandates that these students must be assigned to new schools before any closures or changes take effect, thereby aiming to provide continuity in their education and support services.

Key Provisions

  • Advance Assignment: The bill requires that all special education students in schools slated for closure or significant changes must be reassigned to new schools prior to the implementation of such changes.
  • Focus on Special Education Needs: The legislation emphasizes the unique needs of special education students, ensuring that their transition to new educational settings is handled with care and consideration.
  • Implementation Timeline: The bill does not specify a timeline for the reassignment process, but it implies that this must occur before any school closure or significant change is enacted.

Affected Parties

  • Special Education Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are special education students who may face disruptions due to school closures or changes.
  • School Districts: School districts will need to develop and implement plans for the reassignment of affected students, which may involve logistical considerations and resource allocation.
  • Parents and Guardians: Families of special education students will be directly impacted, as they will need to be informed and involved in the reassignment process.

Legislative Actions

  • 2025-06-04: Passed Senate
  • 2025-06-04: Delivered to Assembly
  • 2025-06-04: Referred to Education
  • 2025-05-29: Advanced to Third Reading
  • 2025-05-28: 2nd Report Calendar
  • 2025-05-27: 1st Report Calendar
  • 2025-01-08: Referred to New York City Education

Related Bills

This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 1576
- S 1326
- S 264
- S 7630
- S 3731
- S 725
- S 9153
- S 911
- A 702 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 79 aims to protect the educational rights and needs of special education students during periods of school closures or significant changes. By ensuring that these students are reassigned to new schools in advance, the bill seeks to minimize disruption and maintain the quality of education for vulnerable populations. The bill is currently under consideration in the Assembly after passing the Senate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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