BILL NUMBER: S10141
SPONSOR: BOTTCHER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring all school
districts to screen all students for dyslexia and dysgraphia
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to ensure all students have early screening
for dyslexia and dysgraphia.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends section 305 of the education law by adding a new
subdivision 60 to require the commissioner to require all school
districts to screen dyslexia and dysgraphia prior to entering kindergar-
ten. Notice of such screening will be provided to the parent or guardian
of each student, shall be printed in a clear and conspicuous manner, and
shall describe the screening methods. The parent or guardian will be
given the opportunity to opt out of the screening by checking the box
"do not screen my child."
Section 2. Sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Estimates show we have over 200,000 undiagnosed dyslexic students in New
York City alone. It's essential that we tailor our educational systems
to the needs of individual students, which must include early identifi-
cation and support for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. The facts
show the devastating impact undiagnosed dyslexia can have on a young
person's life throughout their lifetime. One study found that nearly 50%
of inmates are dyslexic, more than three times the rate in the general
public. Another study found that dyslexic individuals earn 15% fewer
wages than their non-dyslexic peers. New York is failing hundreds of
thousands of our students by not adequately testing for dyslexia and
serving those with it. With this bill, we will begin to change that.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This bill was introduced by then-Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal in 2025
(Senate Bill S7477).
S.7003 of 2023-2024 (Hoylman-Sigal): Died in Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 180 days after which it shall have become
law.

Statutes affected:
S10141: 305 education law