Establishes the New York youth climate corps

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Mayer and 1 co-sponsor

Creates the New York Youth Climate Corps to engage NY youth in climate service, training, and local projects, funded through state appropriations.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

Basic bill information

Bill number: S 6879

Title: Establishes the New York Youth Climate Corps

Status: Reported and committed to Finance (as of May 28, 2025)

Introduced: March 25, 2025

Classification: Bill (state legislation)

Sponsors:

Primary: Jessica Ramos
Cosponsor: Shelley Mayer

Related companion: A 5896 (listed as companion in both chambers)

Legislative history (highlights)

March 25, 2025: Referred to Environmental Conservation (two identical entries shown)

May 28, 2025: Reported and committed to Finance (two identical entries shown)

The bill has advanced from Environmental Conservation to the Finance Committee, indicating a focus on the fiscal aspects and funding for the program.

Purpose and goals

The title indicates the bill’s principal aim is to create a New York Youth Climate Corps. While the full text is not provided here, the intent typically includes engaging youth in climate-related public service, workforce development, and local environmental projects as a state-supported initiative.

Key Provisions (not provided in the supplied text)

The exact statutes, program structure, eligibility criteria, duration, and funding mechanisms are not listed in the information provided. When available, the bill would likely address:

Eligibility (age range, residency, etc.) for participants
Nature of service activities (e.g., environmental restoration, energy efficiency, climate resilience projects)
Wages or stipends, training, and educational/credentialing opportunities
Partnerships with state agencies, non-profits, school districts, and employers
Oversight, governance, and reporting requirements
Funding source(s) and appropriation details (consistent with Finance committee referral)

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: New York youth who participate in the corps (participants/stipend recipients).

Secondary beneficiaries: State agencies, environmental and climate organizations, schools and colleges, and local communities benefiting from climate-related projects and workforce development.

** GOVERNANCE/Audit, etc.:** State oversight and reporting requirements would affect relevant agencies overseeing the program.

Fiscal and procedural notes

The committee path to Finance signals a focus on funding, appropriations, and fiscal impact. The final version would specify:

Total program funding and annual budget
Funding sources (general fund, federal funds, other)
Cost estimates and expected economic impact

After Finance, the bill would proceed to floor votes in the Senate and, if advanced, a companion process in the Assembly (companion A 5896).

Next steps for readers

Review the full text of S 6879 (and A 5896) once publicly released to confirm:

Specific eligibility and duration
Detailed program activities and performance metrics
Funding levels, periods, and administration
Any sunset clauses or renewal conditions

Monitor committee memos and fiscal notes from Finance for estimated costs and implementation timelines.

Bill