Relates to the Rochester school facilities modernization program act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Samra Brouk and 1 co-sponsor

Establish and authorize a Rochester School Facilities Modernization Program to plan, fund, and oversee capital improvements for Rochester City School District facilities.

SUBSTITUTED BY A7385A

Summary — S.7157 (Relates to the Rochester school facilities modernization program act)

Status: Introduced April 3, 2025; SUBSTITUTED BY A7385A (6/12/2025)
Primary sponsor: Sen. Jeremy Cooney; Cosponsor: Sen. Samra Brouk
Related/companion bill: A7385 / A7385A

Note: This summary is based on the bill title and available legislative history. The full text of S.7157 (and the substitute A7385A) should be consulted for exact language, dollar amounts, and legal changes.

Purpose / Intent

S.7157 is intended to establish a formal “Rochester school facilities modernization program” — a legislative framework to authorize and advance a coordinated capital modernization program for school facilities in the City of Rochester. Such legislation typically aims to improve aging school infrastructure, consolidate or reconfigure buildings, support safety/energy upgrades, and create a funding/oversight structure to implement construction and renovation projects.

Key provisions (expected / typical elements)

The bill title and context indicate it likely would include one or more of the following (readers should verify against the bill text):

Create/authorize a Rochester School Facilities Modernization Program or authority charged with planning and carrying out capital improvement projects for the Rochester City School District.

Define eligible projects (new construction, major renovations, modernization, accessibility upgrades, energy efficiency, health/safety).

Authorize specific projects or a program plan and set project priorities or a master plan.

Provide financing mechanisms or authorize state capital assistance, bonding, grants, or reimbursements (amounts to be specified in the bill or related budget/fiscal notes).

Establish governance/oversight (a board, plan approval by State Education Department or municipality, reporting and auditing requirements).

Specify procurement, land-use, or property conveyance rules needed to implement projects.

Include timelines for project implementation and requirements for public reporting and accountability.

Who would be affected

Rochester City School District students, staff, and families (facility conditions and learning environments).

Local taxpayers and municipal finances (if local match or debt obligations are required).

School construction contractors, architects, and related vendors.

State agencies (e.g., NYS Education Department, Division of the Budget) for approvals and potential funding.

Local governments if land transfers, zoning or municipal approvals are implicated.

Procedural / timeline notes

Introduced in Senate: 4/3/2025; initially referred to the Cities committee.

Printed/amended versions: 7157A, 7157B (May 2025); amended and recommitted to Education and later reported to Finance.

6/12/2025: Committee discharged and committed to Rules; ordered to third reading; SUBSTITUTED BY A7385A (Assembly substitute).

Current status reflects that the Assembly substitute (A7385A) is the vehicle; final enactment requires passage of identical language in both houses and the Governor’s signature.

Where to find more information

Full bill text and substitute (A7385A) on the New York State Legislature website (search S.7157 / A.7385A).

Legislative fiscal note and committee memos (Finance committee) for estimated costs and funding details.

Sponsor press releases or Rochester City School District materials may provide project specifics and local context.