BILL NUMBER: S1496
SPONSOR: FAHY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act directing a study on the feasibility of adjusting the compulsory
attendance age of minors attending full time instruction; and providing
for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to examine the feasibility of changing the
age in which children are required to start attending school full time.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 requires the Commissioner of Education to conduct a study on
adjusting the compulsory attendance age for when a child must attend
full-time instruction and deliver a report of the findings and recommen-
dations to the Governor, Temporary President of the Senate, and Speaker
of the Assembly on or before July 1, 2025. The Commissioner must consult
with educators, parents, and other stakeholders when conducting such a
study.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Children who are four when they begin kindergarten are often develop-
mentally too young for a kindergarten education program and, as a
result, struggle academically. The negative impact of having a poor
start to their education may be long-lasting and can affect their future
academic progress. Under New York State law, a child who becomes six
years old on or before December 1st must attend full-time instruction.
Though New York State law states that children must begin school by age
six, most school districts provide a kindergarten program to children
who are five years old or about to turn five years old. Many children
who turn five after September 1st are not as developmentally ready for
school compared to children who turn five before September 1St and, as a
result, suffer long-term educational challenges. This legislation
requires the Commissioner of Education to conduct a study on the feasi-
bility of adjusting the compulsory attendance age.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022: A.8875 (Fahy)- Referred to Education 2019: A.7559-A (Fahy)-Vetoed
by the Governor Memo. 186
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall be deemed repealed on
December 31, 2026