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S 6155

Allows for a modest increase in annual income to not disqualify someone from the excelsior scholarship

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey

Bill S 6155 raises income limits for New York's Excelsior Scholarship, ensuring more students and families can access financial aid despite slight income increases.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 6155

Summary of Bill S 6155

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 6155
  • Title: Allows for a modest increase in annual income to not disqualify someone from the Excelsior Scholarship
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: March 5, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 6155 aims to modify the income eligibility criteria for the Excelsior Scholarship program in New York. The primary intent is to allow individuals and families to earn a modest increase in annual income without jeopardizing their eligibility for this scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students attending college in New York State.

Key Provisions

  • Income Threshold Adjustment: The bill proposes an increase in the income threshold that determines eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship. This adjustment is designed to accommodate rising living costs and ensure that more students can benefit from the scholarship.
  • Eligibility Maintenance: By allowing a modest increase in income, the bill seeks to prevent disqualification of students who may experience slight increases in their earnings, thereby promoting access to higher education for a broader range of students.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students who are currently eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship or who may be eligible in the future. This includes both current college students and prospective students in New York State.
  • Families: Families with incomes that are just above the current threshold will also benefit, as they will no longer be disqualified from receiving financial assistance due to minor income increases.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 5, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Higher Education Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Higher Education Committee, then printed as number 6155A.
  • May 20, 2025: Reported and committed to the Finance Committee.
  • June 9, 2025: The committee was discharged, and the bill was committed to the Rules Committee. It was ordered to a third reading and subsequently passed in the Senate.
  • June 9, 2025: The bill was delivered to the Assembly and referred to the Higher Education Committee.

Related Legislation

  • A 7938: This is the companion bill in the Assembly that mirrors the provisions of S 6155, aiming to achieve the same objectives regarding the Excelsior Scholarship.

Conclusion

Bill S 6155 represents a significant step towards making higher education more accessible for students in New York by adjusting income eligibility criteria for the Excelsior Scholarship. By allowing for a modest increase in annual income without disqualification, the bill seeks to support students and families in navigating the financial challenges of higher education.

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

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