BILL NUMBER: S610
SPONSOR: STAVISKY
 
TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the education law, in relation to the
registration of new curricula or programs of study offered by a not-for-
profit college or university
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would amend the education law to create an expedited program
approval process for programs and institutions that meet certain crite-
ria.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the education law is by adding a new section 210-d to
permit new curriculum or programs of study, not in need of a master plan
amendment, introduced by a not-for-profit college or university that
has; maintained a physical presence in the state of New York for ten
years and has been operated by the same governing body for an equal
period of time, is accredited and has maintained accreditation with
Middle States Commission on Higher Education or another institutional
accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of the United States
Department of Education, to be deemed registered with the New York State
Department of Education forty-five days after notification of approval
by such college or university's governing body and submission of a
complete application for review. If the New York State Department of
Education determines, within forty-five days of submission, the new
curriculum or program of study is incomplete or insufficient, the
department will provide a written explanation to the institution upon
curing. The new curriculum or program of study shall be deemed regis-
tered with the department thirty days after resubmission, or earlier
upon the department's approval.
In addition, the Commissioner is directed to create and maintain a data-
base to provide updated information on the current status of an insti-
tution's submitted requests.
Section 2. Sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
As technology improves and the job market changes, New York not-for-pro-
fit colleges and universities need to have the flexibility to introduce
new programs and curriculum to meet the emerging demands of the 21'
century. Additionally, it is important to keep New York based institu-
tion a competitive in all educational fields. Alleviating program and
approval paperwork and wait times between New York based institutions:
and the New York State Education Department..'cam help ease' burdens on
both entities.' Expediting the program Approval progress will allow for
institutions to introduce new curriculum and programs quicker in order
to meet need and demands while also remaining competitive in the field
Of higher education.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-2022: A.8389/S.6592 - Referred to Higher Education.
2023-2024: A3282/S.3412 - Referred to Higher Education.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:'
Possible administrative costs Off Set by an expedited process.:
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 90 days after it shall have become law.
Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or'repeal otany rule
or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effec-
tive date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such
effective date.