Relates to standards of proof for establishing that a student has a disability in the university of the state of New York or the city university of New York system

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angelo Santabarbara

Sets/adjusts standards of proof to establish student disability for accommodations in USNY (SUNY/CUNY), changing eligibility, documentation, and timelines for students and campuses.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Basic bill information

Bill number: A 6587

Title: Relates to standards of proof for establishing that a student has a disability in the University of the State of New York or the City University of New York system

Status: Referred to Higher Education

Introduced: March 6, 2025

Sponsor: Angelo Santabarbara (primary)

Legislative actions:

2025-03-06: Referred to Higher Education
2025-03-06: Referred to Higher Education (duplicate entry in the record)

Purpose and scope

The bill would modify or establish the standards of proof used to determine whether a student has a disability within the University of the State of New York (USNY) framework or the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

In effect, it aims to clarify, change, or codify how disability status is proven in higher education settings covered by USNY, SUNY, and CUNY.

Key provisions (as described in the summary)

The document provided does not include the full text of the bill, so specific provisions are not enumerated here.

The bill’s central concept is to set or adjust the evidentiary standards for establishing disability status for students seeking accommodations or related supports within USNY-affiliated higher education institutions (USNY, including SUNY and CUNY systems).

Who is affected

Students seeking disability accommodations or related supports in USNY-structured higher education institutions (notably SUNY and CUNY).

Disability services offices and other campus administrators responsible for determining eligibility for accommodations.

Faculty and staff involved in implementing accommodations and understanding student needs.

Procedural and timeline notes

Current stage: Referred to the Higher Education committee in the Assembly.

The schedule suggests the bill would advance through committee review, hearings, and potential floor consideration if it moves forward, subject to legislative calendar and negotiations.

The record shows the same action listed twice, indicating the formal referral occurred on March 6, 2025.

Potential impacts and considerations

By altering standards of proof, the bill could affect how easily or rigorously disability status is established for accommodations.

Changes could influence administrative processes, documentation requirements, and timelines for students applying for services.

The bill would specifically apply to higher education systems under USNY, including SUNY and CUNY, potentially affecting a broad student population.

Next steps

If the bill progresses, it would be studied in committee, potentially amended, and then moved to floor votes in the Assembly (and, if applicable, transmitted to the Senate). Stakeholders (students, disability services staff, and advocacy groups) typically monitor such measures for changes to documentation requirements and accommodation procedures.

Bill