Bill

S 8202

Creates a computer science course requirement for graduation from high school

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Ryan

Establishes a statewide high school graduation requirement to complete a computer science course, affecting students, districts, and teachers; details (credits, standards) TBD.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · S 8202

Summary of Bill S 8202: Creates a computer science course requirement for graduation from high school

Overview

S 8202 is a bill introduced in the 2025 legislative session that would add a computer science course as a graduation requirement for high school students. The bill aims to ensure students acquire foundational CS knowledge as part of their high school education.

Purpose and Intent

Create a statewide requirement that high school students complete a computer science course in order to graduate.
Position computer science as a core component of the high school curriculum, reflecting the importance of technology skills in the modern economy.

Key Provisions (as indicated by available information)

Establishes a high school graduation requirement for computer science.
The text provided does not specify details such as credit hours, course standards, exemptions, testing, or implementation timelines. Specific procedural elements (e.g., phase-in schedules or grade-level applicability) are not disclosed in the available materials.

Affected Parties

High school students who are subject to graduation requirements.
School districts and high schools responsible for offering a qualifying computer science course.
Computer science teachers and potential needs for teacher training or credentialing.
State education agencies responsible for implementing graduation requirements and monitoring compliance.

Timeline and Procedural Status

Introduced: May 20, 2025.
Status: Referred to the Education Committee (two dated entries indicate the same referral action on May 20, 2025).
Legislative actions shown: 2025-05-20 REFERRED TO EDUCATION (listed twice, likely reflecting multiple committee or stage entries).

Related Legislation

S 6120 (prior-session) — related bill in the Senate.
A 5689 (companion) — Assembly companion bill (listed twice, possibly indicating parallel introductions or duplicate entries).

Potential Impact

Educational Impact: Broadens the scope of graduation requirements to include computer science, potentially increasing CS literacy among graduating students.
Fiscal and Implementation Considerations: Districts may incur costs for curriculum adoption, teacher recruitment/training, and alignment with state standards. The absence of detailed provisions means fiscal impact, timelines, and implementation steps are not yet defined in the provided information.
Equity and Access: Depending on implementation, may affect access to CS coursework in underserved districts and schools; policies on course availability and accommodations could influence outcomes.

Next Steps to Watch

Movement in the Education Committee (amendments, scope, and implementation details).
Availability of a fiscal note or impact statement outlining costs and funding.
Clarification of credit requirements, course standards, and any phase-in schedule.
Actions on related bills S 6120 and A 5689, which may shape or mirror this proposal.

This summary reflects information currently available. If the text of the bill is released, a more detailed provision-by-provision analysis (including credit hours, course standards, exemptions, and implementation timelines) can be provided.

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