NY State Senate Bill 2025-S6318A

Senate Bill S6318A

2025-2026 Legislative Session

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students

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Current Bill Status - On Floor Calendar

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

View Actions

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Apr 17, 2025	amended on third reading 6318a
Apr 10, 2025	advanced to third reading
Apr 09, 2025	2nd report cal.
Apr 08, 2025	1st report cal.669
Mar 10, 2025	referred to education

Votes

- Apr 8, 2025 - Education Committee Vote
  S6318A
  
  15
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Education Committee Vote: Apr 8, 2025
      
      aye (15)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Bynoe
      
      Chan
      
      Cleare
      
      Felder
      
      Jackson
      
      Liu
      
      Martinez
      
      Mayer
      
      Salazar
      
      Stavisky
      
      Stec
      
      Tedisco
      
      Weber
      
      Weik

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2025-S6318 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6490
Law Section:: Education Law
Laws Affected:: Add §819, Ed L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2019-2020: A9660
2021-2022: A1788
2023-2024: A1502

2025-S6318 - Summary

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

2025-S6318 - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S6318

SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring instruction
in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all
public school students

 
PURPOSE:

Ensure arts and music education are incorporated into the public school
curriculum for all students.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: adds a new section 819 to the Education Law to require the
board of regents to establish and maintain standards to ensure access to
arts and music education for K-12 students in the state.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

While New York State Education Department regulations dictate arts and
music education, it is not a statutory requirement. As a result, during
times of fiscal difficulties, school districts may look to reduce arts
and music classes in order to achieve budgetary savings regardless of
the importance of these courses for child development.

There have been numerous research studies similar to one released in
2012 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) entitled The Arts and
Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies
that document measured academic success and future civic engagement of
students, particularly those who are at-risk, when they actively partic-
ipate in arts programming. Along with these types of successes, this
study documented that at-risk students with an "in-depth arts involve-
ment" had higher career aspirations and were more likely to pursue high-
er education. Along with student engagement, music and arts programming
offered in schools improves participation and aids in the development of
critical thinking and creative problem solving.

For many years, the national educational focus has been on
"STEM"-Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Educational advocates
are now realizing the importance of adding Arts to the discussion. STEAM
education provides a more holistic approach that reflects the need for
students to develop both creative and analytical skills.

This legislation recognizes the importance of arts and music programs in
public schools and will ensure that all of New York's school-aged chil-
dren have equal access to these critical learning opportunities.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023-2024 - S.285 (May) / A.1502 (Jean-Pierre)

2021-2022 - S.4525 (May) / A.1788 (Jean-Pierre)

2019-2020 - S.5770 (Metzger) / A.9660 (Jean-Pierre)

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2025-S6318 - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   6318
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              March 10, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced    by   Sens.   MAY,   ADDABBO,   ASHBY,   BORRELLO,   BROUK,
   CANZONERI-FITZPATRICK, CLEARE,  COMRIE,  COONEY,  GALLIVAN,  HARCKHAM,
   HELMING, HINCHEY, HOYLMAN-SIGAL, JACKSON, LANZA, MATTERA, MYRIE, OBER-
   ACKER, PALUMBO, PERSAUD, ROLISON, SALAZAR, SCARCELLA-SPANTON, SERRANO,
   SKOUFIS,  STAVISKY, STEC, WEBER, WEIK -- read twice and ordered print-
   ed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
 
 AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring  instruction
   in  arts  and  music education to be incorporated into curriculums for
   all public school students
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 819 to
 read as follows:
   §  819.  INSTRUCTION  IN  ARTS  AND MUSIC EDUCATION.   1. THE BOARD OF
 REGENTS SHALL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN STANDARDS FOR ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCA-
 TION, WHICH MAY INCLUDE DANCE, MUSIC, THEATER, MEDIA ARTS, VISUAL  ARTS,
 AND  STUDIO ARTS, TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS AT
 ALL GRADE LEVELS IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE. RULES AND REGU-
 LATIONS RELATED TO ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY  EDUCATION  SCHOOL  PROGRAMS
 SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
   2.  EACH  SCHOOL  DISTRICT  SHALL  ENSURE THAT INSTRUCTION IN ARTS AND
 MUSIC EDUCATION,  CONSISTENT  WITH  THE  STANDARDS  ESTABLISHED  BY  THE
 REGENTS  PURSUANT  TO  SUBDIVISION  ONE  OF THIS SECTION, IS PROVIDED BY
 APPROPRIATELY CERTIFIED TEACHERS, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN  EACH  SUCH
 SCHOOL  DISTRICT.    ALL  STUDENTS  SHALL  HAVE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SUCH
 INSTRUCTION, WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED  INTO  THE  REGULAR  COURSE  OF
 STUDY AND CONSISTENT WITH STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.
   3.  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF EDUCATION, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARD OF
 REGENTS, SHALL PROMULGATE ANY RULES OR REGULATIONS NECESSARY  TO  IMPLE-
 MENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, ENSURING THAT ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCA-
 TION  REMAINS AN INTEGRAL AND REQUIRED PART OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRIC-
 ULUM FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES ONE THROUGH TWELVE.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD10206-01-5

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A6490
Law Section:: Education Law
Laws Affected:: Add §819, Ed L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2019-2020: A9660
2021-2022: A1788
2023-2024: A1502

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S6318A

SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring instruction
in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all
public school students

 
PURPOSE:

Ensure arts and music education are incorporated into the public school
curriculum for all students.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: adds a new section 819 to the Education Law to require the
board of regents to establish and maintain standards to ensure access to
arts and music education for K-12 students in the state.

Section 2: effective date.

** The A-print makes technical changes. **

 
JUSTIFICATION:

While New York State Education Department regulations dictate arts and
music education, it is not a statutory requirement. As a result, during
times of fiscal difficulties, school districts may look to reduce arts
and music classes in order to achieve budgetary savings regardless of
the importance of these courses for child development.

There have been numerous research studies similar to one released in
2012 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) entitled The Arts and
Achievement in At-Risk Youth: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies
that document measured academic success and future civic engagement of
students, particularly those who are at-risk, when they actively partic-
ipate in arts programming. Along with these types of successes, this
study documented that at-risk students with an "in-depth arts involve-
ment" had higher career aspirations and were more likely to pursue high-
er education. Along with student engagement, music and arts programming
offered in schools improves participation and aids in the development of
critical thinking and creative problem solving.

For many years, the national educational focus has been on
"STEM"-Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Educational advocates
are now realizing the importance of adding Arts to the discussion. STEAM
education provides a more holistic approach that reflects the need for
students to develop both creative and analytical skills.

This legislation recognizes the importance of arts and music programs in
public schools and will ensure that all of New York's school-aged chil-
dren have equal access to these critical learning opportunities.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023-2024 - S.285 (May) / A.1502 (Jean-Pierre)

2021-2022 - S.4525 (May) / A.1788 (Jean-Pierre)
2019-2020 - S.5770 (Metzger) / A.9660 (Jean-Pierre)

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  6318--A
     Cal. No. 669
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              March 10, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced    by   Sens.   MAY,   ADDABBO,   ASHBY,   BORRELLO,   BROUK,
   CANZONERI-FITZPATRICK, CLEARE,  COMRIE,  COONEY,  GALLIVAN,  HARCKHAM,
   HELMING, HINCHEY, HOYLMAN-SIGAL, JACKSON, LANZA, MATTERA, MYRIE, OBER-
   ACKER, PALUMBO, PERSAUD, ROLISON, SALAZAR, SCARCELLA-SPANTON, SERRANO,
   SKOUFIS,  STAVISKY, STEC, WEBER, WEIK -- read twice and ordered print-
   ed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education  --
   reported  favorably  from  said committee, ordered to first and second
   report, ordered to a third reading,  amended  and  ordered  reprinted,
   retaining its place in the order of third reading
 
 AN  ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring instruction
   in arts and music education to be incorporated  into  curriculums  for
   all public school students
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 819 to
 read as follows:
   § 819. INSTRUCTION IN ARTS AND MUSIC  EDUCATION.    1.  THE  BOARD  OF
 REGENTS SHALL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN STANDARDS FOR ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCA-
 TION,  WHICH MAY INCLUDE DANCE, MUSIC, THEATER, MEDIA ARTS, VISUAL ARTS,
 AND STUDIO ARTS, TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS  IN
 ALL  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS  ACROSS THE STATE. RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO
 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SCHOOL PROGRAMS SHALL  BE  CONSISTENT
 WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
   2.  EACH  SCHOOL  DISTRICT  SHALL  ENSURE THAT INSTRUCTION IN ARTS AND
 MUSIC EDUCATION,  CONSISTENT  WITH  THE  STANDARDS  ESTABLISHED  BY  THE
 REGENTS  PURSUANT  TO  SUBDIVISION  ONE  OF THIS SECTION, IS PROVIDED BY
 APPROPRIATELY CERTIFIED TEACHERS, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN  EACH  SUCH
 SCHOOL  DISTRICT.    ALL  STUDENTS  SHALL  HAVE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SUCH
 INSTRUCTION, WHICH SHALL BE INCORPORATED  INTO  THE  REGULAR  COURSE  OF
 STUDY AND CONSISTENT WITH STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD10206-02-5

 S. 6318--A                          2
 
   3.  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF EDUCATION, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARD OF
 REGENTS, SHALL PROMULGATE ANY RULES OR REGULATIONS NECESSARY  TO  IMPLE-
 MENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, ENSURING THAT ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCA-
 TION  REMAINS AN INTEGRAL AND REQUIRED PART OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRIC-
 ULUM FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES ONE THROUGH TWELVE.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

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Senate Bill S6318A

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Sponsored By

Current Bill Status - On Floor Calendar

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2025-S6318 - Details

2025-S6318 - Summary

2025-S6318 - Sponsor Memo

2025-S6318 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S6318A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments