New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08740

Introduced
1/8/26  

Caption

Requires school districts to collect and annually report to the department of education certain information regarding manifestation determination reviews (MDRs) conducted during the prior school year; requires certain disaggregated information to be publicly reported regarding MDRs.

Impact

The bill will amend the education law by adding provisions that require each school district to annually report data on each MDR conducted. By introducing this level of documentation, the bill seeks to ensure that decisions related to student discipline are appropriately considering the unique needs of students with disabilities. This change aims to address the current disparities faced by these students, who are often disproportionately suspended or excluded from classrooms.

Summary

Bill S08740, introduced by Senator Sepulveda, mandates that school districts in New York must document and report specific data regarding manifestation determination reviews (MDRs). These reviews are meant to assess whether a student’s behavior subject to disciplinary actions is connected to their disability. The bill aims to enhance the process by which these reviews are conducted, expecting to improve transparency and equity for students with disabilities in educational environments.

Conclusion

Overall, S08740 represents a significant step towards ensuring that disciplinary actions within schools are taken with full consideration of students’ disabilities. By requiring detailed reporting, the legislation aims to foster accountability within school districts, ultimately striving to improve educational outcomes for students who face challenges due to their disabilities.

Contention

There are notable concerns around the implementation of this bill. While the intention is to promote fairness, critics may argue that the additional reporting requirements could burden school districts that are already stretched thin, particularly in terms of resources and personnel. Some educators and administrators might express apprehension about the feasibility of maintaining comprehensive documentation without detracting from direct educational support to students.

Companion Bills

NY A09230

Same As Requires school districts to collect and annually report to the department of education certain information regarding manifestation determination reviews (MDRs) conducted during the prior school year; requires certain disaggregated information to be publicly reported regarding MDRs.

Previously Filed As

NY A09230

Requires school districts to collect and annually report to the department of education certain information regarding manifestation determination reviews (MDRs) conducted during the prior school year; requires certain disaggregated information to be publicly reported regarding MDRs.

NY A01049

Requires school districts to have diversity, equity and inclusion officers to develop methods to diversify the personnel of the school district and to recommend changes to district policies and practices to reduce racial disparities in hiring school district employees, particularly teachers; requires boards of education to annually report information regarding such policies and practices to the department of education; requires the department of education to annually report such information to the legislature.

NY S05088

Requires school districts to have diversity, equity and inclusion officers to develop methods to diversify the personnel of the school district and to recommend changes to district policies and practices to reduce racial disparities in hiring school district employees, particularly teachers; requires boards of education to annually report information regarding such policies and practices to the department of education; requires the department of education to annually report such information to the legislature.

NY HB3261

Schools; requiring State Department of Education to create certain database; requiring school districts to annually submit certain information to the Department; effective date.

NY SB608

Relating to reporting information regarding certain evidence collection kits.

NY HB1775

Relating to reporting information regarding certain evidence collection kits.

NY A03515

Requires school districts to provide information regarding water safety to parents or students upon enrollment.

NY S01349

Requires school districts to provide information regarding water safety to parents or students upon enrollment.

NY S07664

Requires the collection of certain demographic information by state agencies, boards, departments and commissions.

NY HB730

Requiring school districts to educate and provide information to students regarding adoption during health education for grades 9 through 12, and in college in certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.