New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10786

Introduced
4/1/26  

Caption

Enacts the "regents modernization act" to require the board of regents shall be at all times at least four times more than the number of the then existing judicial districts of the state and shall not be less than fifteen; makes related provisions.

Impact

The core intention behind this legislation is to enhance the governance of the state's educational system by aligning the Board of Regents' structure with the demographics of judicial districts. By requiring that districts with substantial student enrollment are adequately represented, the bill seeks to ensure that the interests and needs of these districts are reflected in educational policies. This could potentially lead to more tailored educational strategies that address specific local challenges.

Summary

Assembly Bill A10786, known as the Regents Modernization Act, introduces significant amendments to the Education Law that dictate the composition of the Board of Regents in New York. The bill stipulates that the number of Regents members must always be at least four more than the existing number of judicial districts within the state, with a minimum requirement of fifteen members. This alteration to the board structure is aimed at modernizing governance in the educational sector and ensuring adequate representation based on student enrollment data.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, the Regents Modernization Act may invite contention among various stakeholders. Critics might argue that the adjustment in representation could lead to over-representation of certain districts at the expense of others. Additionally, the process through which Regents are currently elected, primarily through legislature involvement, might face scrutiny over its effectiveness and fairness, particularly concerning the potential for political influence in what is meant to be an educational governance body.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A08496

Changes the number of members of the board of trustees of the Mamaroneck public library district from eleven to no less than five and no more than fifteen.

NY S07932

Changes the number of members of the board of trustees of the Mamaroneck public library district from eleven to no less than five and no more than fifteen.

NY S08418

Provides that in the fourth judicial department, two new districts, fourteen and fifteen are added; makes related provisions.

NY A08883

Provides that in the fourth judicial department, two new districts, fourteen and fifteen are added; makes related provisions.

NY A08593

Increases the amount of years of military service credit a member may purchase from three years to four years; provides that the provisions of such act shall not be subject to the requirement that the state shall make an equal payment to the retirement system.

NY S06840

Increases the amount of years of military service credit a member may purchase from three years to four years; provides that the provisions of such act shall not be subject to the requirement that the state shall make an equal payment to the retirement system.

NY A10617

Extends to ninety days the amount of time for the board of regents to approve and issue a charter that has been resubmitted by a charter entity.

NY S10158

Provides that transportation shall be provided to all children attending grades kindergarten through twelve who live within a fifteen mile radius of the school they legally attend; provides that such transportation may also be provided for such students to before-and/or-after-school child care locations.

NY A11266

Provides that transportation shall be provided to all children attending grades kindergarten through twelve who live within a fifteen mile radius of the school they legally attend; provides that such transportation may also be provided for such students to before-and/or-after-school child care locations.

NY S09307

Requires whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing where there is on-track equipment, the driver of such vehicle shall stop not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not proceed until they can do so safely.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.