Relates to being absent from full time day instruction for the purpose of sounding Taps at a military honors funeral held in this state

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Jensen

Creates an exemption allowing eligible K-12 full-time day instructional staff to miss day instruction to perform Taps at a military funeral in New York State.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Overview

Bill Number: A 4269

Title: Relates to being absent from full time day instruction for the purpose of sounding Taps at a military honors funeral held in this state

Sponsor: Josh Jensen (primary)

Introduced: January 31, 2025

Status: Referred to Education (as of the provided record)

Legislative Actions:

2025-01-31: Referred to Education (listed twice in the record)

Purpose and Intent

The bill, by its title, would establish or authorize an absence from full-time day instruction for individuals to sound Taps at a military honors funeral held within New York State. The core aim appears to be creating an exception or allowance within existing attendance requirements to accommodate participation in a military funeral ceremony.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the title; full text needed for specifics)

Creates an allowance or exemption permitting an absence from regular day-time instructional duties for the purpose of performing Taps at a military honors funeral in the state.

The exact mechanics—such as which staff members are eligible, duration of the absence, notice requirements, substitute coverage, and whether the absence is paid or unpaid—are not detailed in the information provided and would be specified in the bill text.

Affected Parties

Primary: K-12 full-time day instructional staff (e.g., teachers, possibly other certified instructional personnel) who may be eligible to take this leave to perform Taps.

Employing Entities: School districts and boards of education responsible for approving the absence, scheduling substitutes, and maintaining attendance records.

Other: Military organizations coordinating funeral honors within the state; the provision would intersect with district scheduling and operations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill was introduced and immediately referred to the Education Committee on January 31, 2025.

There is no additional action listed in the provided record beyond the duplicate committee referral.

If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Assembly.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Operational: Districts would need to plan for staffing coverage when eligible staff take such leave; potential impact on instructional time would depend on the exact duration allowed.

Legal/Policy: The bill would establish, amend, or codify a carve-out to standard attendance rules. Details on pay status, documentation, and limits would be critical for implementation.

Equity and Access: Clarification would be needed on which roles qualify (e.g., only full-time day instructional staff) and whether substitutes or other accommodations are required.

Next Steps for Readers

Review the full bill text to understand eligibility, duration, notice and documentation requirements, payment status, and any limits or conditions.

Monitor the Education Committee actions for hearings, amendments, and potential passage.

Consider examining A 4617 and A 2947 for related provisions or transitional guidance from prior sessions.

This summary provides the essential information available from the provided bill record. For precise terms, the official bill text and committee reports should be consulted once released.

Bill