New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08984

Introduced
8/13/25  
Refer
8/13/25  

Caption

Requires the state board of law examiners to establish protocols for addressing emergencies that occur during the administration of the bar examination, and to provide testing accommodations for persons who have applied for examination for admission to practice and are the subject of, or a witness to, or are affected by the emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates the State Board of Law Examiners to create protocols that include immediate medical assistance for persons who suffer injuries during the examination, as well as measures to pause the exam when emergencies are observed. Additionally, the bill stipulates that affected candidates may receive testing accommodations, such as additional time to complete their exam and the option to retake the exam without penalty within a specified period. These amendments are designed to ensure that all candidates have equitable access to the exam regardless of unforeseen circumstances.

Summary

Bill A08984, also known as the 'Clock Should Stop Act', aims to amend the judiciary law by establishing necessary protocols for managing emergencies that occur during the New York State bar examination. One of the primary motivations for this legislation stemmed from a tragic incident in July 2025 when a bar exam candidate suffered a medical emergency during the exam. During this event, there were reported delays in summoning emergency help, and the examination continued without pausing, raising concerns about the welfare of the test-takers and the integrity of the examination process.

Contention

The proposed changes highlight a significant shift in how emergencies during high-stakes examinations are managed, emphasizing both the need for rapid response and the protection of exam integrity. Critics of the traditional approach argue that without proper protocols, candidates’ rights and well-being can be compromised. By addressing these issues, Bill A08984 seeks to prevent past mistakes and create a safer examination environment for future test-takers. The creation of such protocols is not only about adherence to safety but also about ensuring fairness in the examination process.

Companion Bills

NY S08848

Same As Requires the state board of law examiners to establish protocols for addressing emergencies that occur during the administration of the bar examination, and to provide testing accommodations for persons who have applied for examination for admission to practice and are the subject of, or a witness to, or are affected by the emergency.

Previously Filed As

NY S08848

Requires the state board of law examiners to establish protocols for addressing emergencies that occur during the administration of the bar examination, and to provide testing accommodations for persons who have applied for examination for admission to practice and are the subject of, or a witness to, or are affected by the emergency.

NY A09094

Allows an applicant with four or more unsuccessful attempts on the New York bar examination to file an application for re-examination for the February or July administration of the bar examination, provided such applicant successfully graduated from a law school located in and accredited by the state of New York.

NY S08365

Provides for a preference for activated members of the New York army national guard or the New York air national guard serving during declared state disaster emergencies for competitive examinations for original appointment or promotion.

NY A10828

Provides for a preference for activated members of the New York army national guard or the New York air national guard serving during declared state disaster emergencies for competitive examinations for original appointment or promotion.

NY S09892

Bars actions where the action is based upon allegations or transactions that are the subject of an audit, examination, investigation, or administrative inquiry conducted by the state, a local government, or any executive or administrative agency thereof; or were previously the subject of an audit, examination, investigation, or administrative inquiry conducted by the state, a local government, or any executive or administrative agency thereof that resulted in a final determination, resolution, or payment; requires disclosure of relator identity and basis of knowledge.

NY HB1225

Further providing for State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators, for qualifications for admission to examination and for temporary permits.

NY HB1078

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

NY SB567

Relative to the composition of the board of dental examiners and relative to the practice of dentistry and when radiographic examinations are required.

NY A09549

Enacts "Jesse's law" to provide that a person subject to involuntary emergency admission for immediate observation, care, and treatment of mental illness shall have the right to select the hospital they are admitted to.

NY A08093

Establishes maximum age requirements for New York city correction officers; provides that the commissioner of correction shall not appoint a person as a correction officer if such person is more than thirty-five years of age as of the date of the applicant's appointment or eligibility to compete in a promotion examination.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.