BILL NUMBER: S8202
SPONSOR: RYAN C
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing a comput-
er science graduation requirement; and providing for the repeal of
certain provisions of such law relating thereto
 
PURPOSE:
To make computer science a required course option for graduation from
high school.
 
SUMMARY:
Section 1. Amends the education law by adding a new section 817.
Section 2. Amends subdivision 4 of section 3004 of the education law by
adding a new paragraph c.
Section 3. Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In a rapidly advancing world of netizens, we must ensure our nation and
state keeps pace. Foundational computer science (CS) courses in New York
State schools will empower our students to understand how our most
complex technology works, and give them the ability to harness the power
of this technology for good.
Several studies have shown that computer science education can improve
problem-solving abilities, and is a desirable skill in the labor market
that leads to higher compensation 
1. However, only 48% of NYS high
schools offer computer science classes 
2. This bill will make computer
science a required course option for graduation in NYS high schools.
 
RACIAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
Computer science courses are offered more frequently in non-urban areas
and to those who are more economically advantaged. White students are
overrepresented in CS course enrollment compared to Black and Latino
students 
3. This bill will help reduce these disparities and help close
the racial income gap in our workforce.
 
GENDER JUSTICE IMPACT:
Women are greatly underrepresented in computer science fields and CS
class enrollment - only 31% of those enrolled in a CS class identify as
female 
4. By making computer science a required class option to gradu-
ate, this bill will help increase the number of women in CS fields and
help break the culture that excludes many women.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: 56120 - referred to education.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect July 1, 2028; provided, however, that para-
graphs g and h of subdivision 2 of section 817 of the education law as
added by section one of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed on
July 1, 2032. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.
 
1https://www.brookings.edu/essay/building-skills-for-life-how-to-expand
-and-improve-computer-science-education-around-the-world/
 
2https://code.org/promote/ny
 
3https://code.org/promote/ny
 
4https://code.org/promote/ny

Statutes affected:
S8202: 3004 education law, 3004(4) education law