Extends provisions related to certified school psychologists and special education services and programs for preschool children with handicapping conditions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Mayer

Extends current provisions for certified school psychologists and preschool special education services through June 30, 2028, maintaining standards and compliance.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Summary of Bill S. 9611 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

The bill extends the effectiveness and applicability of provisions from Chapter 217 of the Laws of 2015, which concern certified school psychologists and special education services and programs for preschool children with handicapping conditions.

Specifically, it prolongs the period during which those provisions remain in force, effectively extending the expiration date.

Key provisions and changes

The core extension is to the provisions established in 2015 (as amended by Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2024), governing:

Certification and duties of certified school psychologists.
Special education services and program requirements for preschool children with handicapping conditions.

The bill amends Section 3 of Chapter 217 to:

Retain in force the policies and regulations related to certified school psychologists and preschool special education services, with a new expiration date.

Effective dates (per the bill):

The act takes immediate effect.
It is deemed to have been fully in effect on and after July 1, 2014.
The new expiration date is June 30, 2028 (previously stated as 2026 in earlier versions).

Affected entities and stakeholders

Public schools and school districts, particularly:

Personnel involved in school psychology (certified school psychologists).
Early childhood educators and administrators delivering special education services to preschool children with handicapping conditions.

Students:

Preschool-age children who qualify for handicapping conditions and require special education services and programs.

State and local education authorities responsible for compliance with certified school psychology standards and preschool special education programming.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action:

Introduced in the New York Senate by Senator Mayer (Co-sponsor: Senator Shelley Mayer).
Referred to the Education Committee; subsequent actions show progression through calendar stages and eventual passage in the Senate.

Effective timelines:

Immediate effect upon enactment.
Retroactive deeming to have been in force since July 1, 2014.
Explicit expiration/deemed repeal set for June 30, 2028 (extending beyond the prior 2026 date).

Next steps:

If passed by the Assembly and enacted, the extension would maintain current statutory framework through 2028 unless further amended.

Practical impact

Provides continuity and stability for districts implementing preschool special education services and for the credentialing/role of certified school psychologists.

Ensures ongoing compliance with established standards for services to preschool children with handicapping conditions through mid-2028.

Reduces risk of regulatory gaps by extending the operative period of Chapter 217 provisions.

If you’d like, I can break down the specific statutory language changes from Chapter 217 or compare the 2024 amendments to highlight any nuanced shifts in responsibilities or eligibility.