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Bill

A 761

Reduces tuition rates for certain Olympic athletes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Carroll and 1 co-sponsor

Lowers tuition for eligible Olympic athletes at participating colleges, boosting affordability and access to higher education.

SIGNED CHAP.505
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Bill Summary · A 761

Summary — A.761 (2025) — Reduces tuition rates for certain Olympic athletes

Status: SIGNED — Chapter 505 (signed November 21, 2025)
Introduced: January 8, 2025
Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll
Cosponsor: Assemblymember Billy Jones
Companion: S.8220

Purpose / Intent

The bill’s stated purpose (per the title) is to reduce tuition rates for certain Olympic athletes. The measure was enacted into law as Chapter 505 of the Laws of 2025. The law aims to make postsecondary education more affordable for eligible Olympic athletes by lowering the tuition they pay at qualifying institutions.

Legislative timeline (selected)

  • 2025-01-08: Referred to Higher Education (Assembly)
  • April–June 2025: Multiple committee amendments and printings (761A, 761B, 761C); referred to Ways & Means; reported and placed on third reading
  • 2025-06-11: Passed Assembly; delivered to Senate
  • 2025-06-12: Passed Senate; returned to Assembly
  • 2025-11-17: Delivered to Governor
  • 2025-11-21: Signed into law (Chap. 505)

Key provisions (high-level)

The legislative summary available here is derived from the bill title and enactment status; the full statutory text should be consulted for exact language. Key elements typically included in bills of this type are the following (readers should verify each in the enacted chapter):

  • Eligibility criteria: which athletes qualify (e.g., members of U.S. Olympic or Paralympic teams, athletes who competed in specified Olympic Games, or athletes meeting residency/registration requirements).
  • Covered institutions: whether reductions apply at State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), private colleges, or all degree-granting institutions.
  • Tuition reduction details: the size or percentage of the reduction (e.g., partial or full tuition waiver), whether it applies to in-state tuition only, and limits per term or degree.
  • Duration and limits: whether the benefit is available for a specific period (e.g., undergraduate degree timeline), for medalists vs. all Olympic participants, or capped by semesters/credit hours.
  • Funding/offsets: whether the State reimburses institutions for lost tuition revenue or whether institutions absorb the cost.
  • Administrative requirements: documentation required from athletes (proof of Olympic participation), application processes, and reporting requirements for institutions or state agencies.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Olympic athletes who meet the bill’s eligibility rules.
  • Postsecondary institutions: public and/or private colleges that enroll eligible athletes — may see reduced tuition receipts or receive state reimbursement.
  • State budget/treasury: potential fiscal impact depending on whether the reduction is offset by state funds.

Impact and considerations

  • Affordability: reduces out-of-pocket costs for eligible athletes, facilitating college attendance/continuation.
  • Fiscal: potential decrease in tuition revenue for institutions unless the law provides state reimbursement; fiscal notes in the enacted bill or budget documents will specify estimated costs.
  • Administrative: institutions must verify eligibility and implement tuition adjustments; agencies may need to issue guidance.

Next steps / where to find full text

For the precise eligibility rules, the exact tuition reduction amount, effective date, and any appropriation or fiscal note, consult the enacted Chapter 505 (Laws of 2025) and the final bill text of A.761 / S.8220 on the New York State Legislature website or the published chapter law.

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

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