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A 702

Requires that all special education students attending schools scheduled to be closed or to undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closing or change

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harvey Epstein

Requires special education students at schools slated for closure or major change to be reassigned to new schools before the change takes effect to protect IEP services.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 702

Bill Summary: A 702

Overview

A 702 is a New York State Assembly bill introduced on January 8, 2025, and referred to the Education Committee. Sponsored by Assemblymember Harvey Epstein (primary). The bill would require that all students receiving special education services who attend schools that are scheduled to be closed or undergo a significant change be assigned to new schools prior to the implementation of the closure or change. The bill has companion and related measures in prior sessions (e.g., S 79; multiple A-series related bills).

Purpose and intent

  • To protect continuity of special education services for students with disabilities during school closures or substantial school reconfigurations.
  • To prevent disruption of IEP-directed supports and services by ensuring a transition to a new appropriate placement before any closure or major change takes effect.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Mandatory reassignment: All special education students at schools slated for closure or significant change must be assigned to new schools before the closure/change is implemented.
  • Pre-implementation action: The reassignment occurs prior to the actual closing or change taking effect, implying a required planning and placement process in advance.
  • Scope: Applies specifically to students who receive special education services (as defined under applicable state and federal special education laws).

Note: The exact processes, timelines, criteria for “significant change,” methods of notification, and transition supports would be detailed in the bill’s text. This summary reflects the stated purpose and core requirement as provided.

Who is affected

  • Students with disabilities enrolled in schools that are scheduled for closure or undergo significant changes.
  • School districts and the local educational agencies responsible for implementing closures or changes.
  • IEP teams, school administrators, transportation and special education staff involved in placement decisions and transition planning.
  • Parents/guardians of affected students, who would be involved in placement decisions and transition discussions.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Education Committee (January 8, 2025). The bill’s text would specify the exact procedural steps, deadlines, and transition timelines.
  • Legislative pathway: As a committee-referred bill, it would move through the standard legislative process, potentially receiving hearings, amendments, and votes in the Assembly, and, if advanced, companion consideration in the Senate (e.g., S 79, as noted).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Administrative burden: Districts may need to accelerate placement planning and coordinate cross-district transfers to satisfy the pre-implementation requirement.
  • Continuity of services: Aimed to safeguard IEP-mandated supports during difficult transitions.
  • Funding and transportation: Depending on the final text, could implicate funding for placement changes, transportation logistics, and ancillary services.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Likely to require enhanced communication with families and coordination with IEP teams and service providers.

Related bills and context

  • Related/A-series bills from prior sessions (A 8573, A 1784, A 2319, A 10580, A 1347, A 8669, A 9547, A 1062) and the companion S 79 indicate ongoing legislative interest in protecting special education students during school closures or major changes.

Sponsor

  • Harvey Epstein (primary)

This summary captures the bill’s stated objective and likely implications based on the information available. The full legislative text will provide precise definitions, timelines, and operational details.

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

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