Makes permanent the provisions of chapter 396 of the laws of 2012, amending the education law, relating to services to out-of-state school districts by boards of cooperative educational services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dave DiPietro and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 5310 permanently allows BOCES to provide educational services to out-of-state districts, enhancing resources and opportunities for students across state lines.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Bill Overview

Bill Number: A 5310

Title: Makes permanent the provisions of chapter 396 of the laws of 2012, amending the education law, relating to services to out-of-state school districts by boards of cooperative educational services

Status: Referred to Education

Introduced: February 13, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5310 aims to make permanent the provisions established in chapter 396 of the laws of 2012, which currently allow boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to provide educational services to out-of-state school districts. This legislation seeks to ensure that these services can continue without the need for periodic reauthorization, thereby enhancing educational opportunities and resources for students in both in-state and out-of-state districts.

Key Provisions

Permanent Authorization: The bill will codify the ability of BOCES to offer services to out-of-state school districts on a permanent basis, eliminating the need for temporary extensions or renewals.

Scope of Services: The services provided may include special education, vocational training, and other educational programs tailored to meet the needs of out-of-state districts.

Compliance and Oversight: BOCES will still be required to comply with existing regulations and standards set forth in the education law, ensuring quality and accountability in the services provided.

Impact

Affected Entities:

Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES): Will gain a stable framework to continue serving out-of-state districts.
Out-of-State School Districts: Will have ongoing access to educational services that may not be available locally, potentially improving educational outcomes for their students.
In-State Students: May benefit indirectly from enhanced collaboration and resource sharing between in-state and out-of-state districts.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Action: The bill was introduced and referred to the Education Committee on February 13, 2025. Further actions will depend on the committee's review and recommendations.

Related Legislation: This bill is associated with several prior-session bills (A 3669, A 9119, A 4680, A 5270, A 9890, A 6531) and has a companion bill in the Senate (S 57), indicating ongoing legislative interest in this area.

Conclusion

Bill A 5310 represents a significant step towards ensuring that educational services provided by BOCES to out-of-state districts are sustained and formalized. By making these provisions permanent, the bill aims to enhance educational collaboration and resource availability across state lines, ultimately benefiting students in both in-state and out-of-state districts.

Bill