New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08848

Introduced
1/9/26  
Refer
1/9/26  
Engrossed
5/19/26  

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 procedures that focus on immediate medical assistance for individuals facing emergencies during the exam, including incidents that require interruption of the examination process. Additionally, it stipulates that those affected by the emergency will receive accommodations, which could include extra time or the ability to retake portions of the examination without additional fees. This could lead to a significant shift in how law examinations are conducted in New York, prioritizing the safety and welfare of candidates under emergency scenarios.

Summary

S08848, also known as the 'Clock Should Stop Act', is aimed at establishing protocols for the New York State bar examination addressing emergencies that arise during the exam administration. The legislation routes from an incident on July 30, 2025, when a young woman suffered a medical emergency during the exam, highlighting gaps in the response protocols currently in place. This bill seeks to ensure the immediate response to emergencies and preserve the welfare of the examinees, making adjustments during examination processes when such emergencies occur.

Contention

Notable discussions surrounding S08848 center on the balance between maintaining the integrity and continuity of the exams while ensuring student safety. The necessity of implementing effective emergency response protocols has garnered general support; however, details regarding the practical application of these measures, such as what constitutes an emergency and how accommodations will be measured, may lead to debate. Stakeholders in legal education and examination processes will likely engage in further discussions to assess the implications of this legislation on the current bar examination structure.

Companion Bills

NY A08984

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 A08984

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.