Bill

A 624

Relates to ensuring all students enrolled at state university of New York and city university of New York institutions are able to express themselves freely without fear of intimidation or harm

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Will Barclay and 2 co-sponsors

Protect SUNY and CUNY students’ right to free expression on campus by preventing intimidation or harm and guiding campuses to adopt clear protections and reporting.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 624

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A.624

Overview

A.624 is a New York State Assembly bill introduced on January 8, 2025, titled: “Relates to ensuring all students enrolled at State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) institutions are able to express themselves freely without fear of intimidation or harm.” The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Higher Education.

Purpose and intent

The primary aim, as reflected in the title, is to safeguard students’ ability to express themselves freely on SUNY and CUNY campuses without facing intimidation or harm.
The legislation appears intended to strengthen or codify protections for free expression within public higher education institutions in New York, aligning campus environments with free-speech principles and student rights.

Key provisions

Specific provisions are not included in the information provided. The text currently available only indicates the general purpose to protect free expression and prevent intimidation or harm.
Typical elements to look for in the full text (not stated here) may include:
- Definitions of “free expression” and “intimidation” or “harm.”
- Obligations for SUNY and CUNY campuses to adopt policies or training to protect expressive rights.
- Reporting, grievance, and resolution mechanisms for incidents affecting free expression.
- Exceptions or boundaries (e.g., limitations related to harassment, threats, or safety concerns).
- Enforcement provisions and potential remedies or sanctions for violations.
- Any role for campus administrators, student groups, or oversight bodies.
- Compliance timelines and state-mup funding considerations (if applicable).

Note: The current available information does not detail these provisions; the actual text would specify the exact requirements and procedures.

Affected parties

Students enrolled at SUNY and CUNY institutions in New York.
SUNY and CUNY system administrations and campus leadership responsible for implementing campus policy.
Faculty and staff involved in campus climate, safety, student conduct, and speech-related matters.

Procedural history

Introduced: January 8, 2025.
Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Higher Education on January 8, 2025 (listed twice in the provided record).

Related bills

A.8342 (prior-session)
A.2309 (prior-session)

Potential impact and considerations

If enacted, SUNY and CUNY campuses would likely implement or adjust policies to ensure protections for free expression among students, potentially affecting campus climate, conduct processes, and safety protocols.
Could influence how incidents of intimidation are defined, reported, and adjudicated on campuses.
Fiscal or administrative costs may be associated with policy development, training, and compliance monitoring, though no dollar amounts are provided.
Interaction with existing state laws on harassment, safety, and campus conduct would be important to assess for potential overlaps or conflicts.

Next steps / Questions for review

Obtain the full text to identify exact definitions, protections, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and timelines.
Compare with related bills (A.8342, A.2309) to understand overlapping goals or differences.
Monitor committee activity and potential amendments as the bill progresses through the Higher Education committee.

This summary reflects the information available in the provided bill data and highlights the bill’s stated objective to protect free expression for students at SUNY and CUNY, along with sponsor and procedural details.

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