Directs the commissioner of education to establish a commission to study the needs of adolescents and the effect that school day start times have on students

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Requires NY State Education Department to form a study commission on adolescents’ needs and how school start times affect students, guiding future policy.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Quick overview

Bill number: A 3183

Title: Directs the commissioner of education to establish a commission to study the needs of adolescents and the effect that school day start times have on students

Sponsor (primary): Linda Rosenthal

Introduced: January 23, 2025

Status: REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Classification: bill

Related bills (prior-session): A 8668, A 3448, A 1167

Purpose and intent

A 3183 would require the New York State Commissioner of Education to establish a study commission. The commission’s focus would be twofold:
- Assess the needs of adolescents
- Examine the impact of school day start times on students

The bill aims to generate analyzed evidence and recommendations to inform future education policy related to adolescent well-being and school scheduling.

Key provisions (high level)

The commissioner of education must establish a commission to study:

The needs of adolescents (likely encompassing health, social, academic, and developmental considerations)
The effects of school day start times on student outcomes

Details on the commission’s composition, duties, reporting requirements, and timelines would be specified in the bill text (not provided here).

As introduced, the bill directs the Education Department to undertake this study rather than imposing immediate policy changes.

Who is affected

Students and families: Any findings could influence policies affecting adolescent health, sleep, attendance, academic performance, and well-being.

Public schools and districts: The study could inform scheduling practices, transportation planning, and resource allocation.

Department of Education: Responsible for establishing the commission and guiding the study.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred to the Education committee on January 23, 2025.

The bill’s progression depends on committee review, potential amendments, and.action by the full chamber. No further action is listed yet.

As a study-commission bill, it may set up a future report or recommendations rather than immediate statutory changes, depending on the final language.

Background and context

The focus on adolescent needs and school start times aligns with ongoing policy discussions about sleep health, student engagement, and district scheduling.

The bill has related identifying references in prior sessions (A 8668, A 3448, A 1167), indicating continued legislative interest in adolescent needs and school timing.

Potential impact and considerations

If established, the commission could produce findings that influence future proposals on start times, school calendars, and student services.

Key considerations for stakeholders include the composition and independence of the commission, the scope of the study, expected deliverables (e.g., a final report with findings and recommendations), and any proposed pilot programs or statutory changes that might follow.

Fiscal implications would depend on the commission’s size, staffing needs, and the scope of data collection, all to be defined in the enacted text.

For readers seeking more detail, the full bill text would specify exact membership, duties, reporting deadlines, and any funding provisions.

Bill