BILL NUMBER: S6696
SPONSOR: CHAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing college
credits for students who receive high marks on regents examinations
 
PURPOSE:
To create greater opportunities for New York State high school students
to earn college credit by achieving high scores on Regents examinations,
thereby reducing the cost and duration of higher education while incen-
tivizing academic excellence.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
*Section 1: Amends the Education Law by adding a new Section 239-c,
establishing a system for awarding college credit based on Regents exam
performance:
*Students earning an average score of 80 across all ten Regents exams,
and attaining a Regents diploma, will receive three college credits
toward general coursework at a university.
*Students earning an average score of 85 across any four Regents exams,
and attaining a Regents diploma, will receive three college credits
toward general coursework.
*Students earning an average score of 90 across any four Regents exams,
and attaining a Regents diploma with advanced designation with honors,
will receive six college credits toward general coursework.
*Students cannot combine multiple provisions to receive additional cred-
it.
*Section 2: Amends the Education Law by adding Section 6235, restating
the provisions of Section 239-c, ensuring the policy applies to both
State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York
(CUNY) institutions.
*Section 3: Specifies the effective date of the legislation.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State has long recognized the importance of academic achieve-
ment in preparing students for higher education and the workforce.
Regents examinations serve as a statewide benchmark of student profi-
ciency across core subjects, but currently, high performance on these
exams does not translate into tangible benefits for students entering
college.
This legislation aims to:
*Expand College Credit Opportunities: Unlike Advanced Placement (AP)
courses, which are not universally available in all schools, Regents
exams are taken by nearly all high school students. By allowing students
to earn college credit for high Regents scores, this bill ensures that
all students, especially those in underserved communities, have an equal
opportunity to reduce the financial burden of higher education.
*Reduce Higher Education Costs: By awarding SUNY and CUNY college cred-
its for outstanding Regents performance, students can graduate sooner,
reduce tuition costs, and enter the workforce faster.
*Increase Incentives for Academic Excellence: Encouraging students to
aim for higher Regents scores will promote a culture of academic
achievement and better prepare students for college-level coursework.
*Remove Regents Exam Graduation Mandate: Beginning in the 2027-2028
academic year, Regents exams will no longer be a mandatory graduation
requirement, allowing students greater flexibility in their academic
paths.
By implementing this policy, New York will become a national leader in
rewarding academic success while making higher education more accessible
and affordable for all students.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on August 1, 2027.