Bill

A 119

Requires teachers and library media specialists to complete professional development related to media literacy education

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anna Kelles and 2 co-sponsors

Requires teachers and school library media specialists to complete professional development in media literacy, boosting students' ability to evaluate information.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

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Bill Summary · A 119

Summary of New York A.119 (2025)

Overview

Bill number: A.119
Title: Requires teachers and library media specialists to complete professional development related to media literacy education
Status: Referred to the Education Committee
Introduction date: January 8, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The bill would require teachers and library media specialists to complete professional development (PD) related to media literacy education.
The objective appears to be ensuring educators receive formal training in media literacy so they can better teach students about evaluating information and navigating information sources.

Key Provisions (as provided)

The core requirement is that teachers and library media specialists complete professional development in media literacy education.
The specific details of the PD (e.g., required hours, eligible providers, approved curricula, duration, renewal cycles, or exemptions) are not included in the provided information.
No other substantive provisions are listed in the available content.

Who Would Be Affected

Primary beneficiaries would be teachers and library media specialists in educational settings. Indirectly, schools and districts would bear responsibility for ensuring compliance and providing PD opportunities, and students would benefit from improved media literacy instruction.

Timeline and Procedural Details

After introduction, the bill was referred to the Education Committee on January 8, 2025.
Legislative actions listed show the same committee referral date twice, with no additional actions documented in the provided material.
No floor action, amendments, or enacted status are recorded in the provided data.

Related Legislation

A.6153 (prior-session)
A.32 (prior-session)

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Positive impacts: Improved consistency and quality of media literacy instruction through standardized educator PD; potential long-term benefits in students’ ability to assess information critically.
Operational considerations: School districts and libraries would need to schedule and fund PD; providers and curricula would need to meet any standard established by the bill or the implementing department.
Policy questions to watch: What constitutes “media literacy education” for PD? Are there minimum hours, approved providers, or renewal requirements? Are there exemptions or special considerations for certain districts or educators?

Next Steps

The bill currently remains in committee work under the Education Committee. The next steps would typically include committee analysis, potential amendments, and a vote in committee before advancing to the full chamber for consideration.

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