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A 7245

Allows the higher education services corporation to consider an applicant's change in income due to the loss of employment in determining eligibility and award amount for the tuition assistance program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anna Kelles

Allows HESC to reconsider TAP eligibility and award amounts when a student's income drops due to unemployment, enabling adjustments for affected households.

PRINT NUMBER 7245A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7245

Summary: Assembly Bill A 7245 (Amended as A 7245A)

Overview

Bill A 7245, introduced March 21, 2025, would authorize the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to take into account an applicant’s change in income caused by loss of employment when determining eligibility and the amount of Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards. The amended version currently referenced is A 7245A.

Purpose and Intent

  • To provide a more flexible and responsive assessment of TAP eligibility and award amounts for students whose household income has declined due to unemployment.
  • Aims to prevent undue hardship for students experiencing job loss by allowing a revised financial aid calculation aligned with current financial circumstances.

Key Provisions (as reflected in version A7245A)

  • Adds authorization for HESC to consider a change in income that results from the loss of employment when evaluating TAP eligibility.
  • Applies to both determining whether a student qualifies for TAP and the amount of the TAP award received, potentially adjusting awards downward or upward based on updated income status (in relation to unemployment).

Note: The specific procedural details (e.g., documentation requirements, definition of “change in income,” timing of reassessment, whether benefits like unemployment compensation are treated in particular ways, and how often recalculations could occur) are not provided in the summary materials. The amended text would govern these operational elements if enacted.

Affected Parties and Programs

  • Primary beneficiaries: Students applying for TAP and current TAP recipients.
  • Secondary beneficiaries: Households experiencing unemployment, as their reported income could be used to adjust TAP outcomes.
  • Administering agency: Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), which administers TAP in New York.

Implementation Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: March 21, 2025.
  • Referred to: Higher Education (March 21, 2025).
  • Amendments and recomitment: May 28, 2025, with the amended version printed as 7245A (noted twice in actions).
  • Current status: The bill has moved through committee actions and amendments; it has not yet been enacted into law.

Sponsors and Related Bills

  • Primary sponsor: Anna Kelles.
  • Related/companion bills:
    • A 7050 (prior-session)
    • A 9641 (prior-session)
    • S 2565 (companion in the Senate)

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Potentially broader eligibility or adjusted awards for students experiencing unemployment, improving access to tuition aid during periods of job loss.
  • Could necessitate clear guidelines for income change verification, timing of reassessment, and handling of various income sources.
  • Stakeholders may seek details on how frequently TAP awards could be recalculated and how this interacts with existing TAP policies.

This summary provides the essential legislative intent, provisions, and procedural context for A 7245A. For precise statutory language and implementation details, the text of the amended bill and accompanying committee reports should be consulted.

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

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