NY State Senate Bill 2013-S6511A

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Higher Education Committee

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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Date of Action	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Jun 03, 2014	print number 6511a
Jun 03, 2014	amend and recommit to higher education
Jan 31, 2014	referred to higher education

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

2013-S6511 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A8585
Current Committee:: Senate Higher Education
Law Section:: Education Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §§355, 6206 & 6304, Ed L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2015-2016: S4760, A5098
2017-2018: S4749, A4100
2019-2020: S1725
2021-2022: S1739
2023-2024: S3411
2025-2026: S4781

2013-S6511 - Summary

Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires community service and state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.

2013-S6511 - Sponsor Memo

2013-S6511 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  6511

                            I N  S E N A T E

                            January 31, 2014
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  SAVINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher Education

AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to enacting "Tuition-Free
  NY"

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section  1.  This act shall be known and may be cited as "Tuition-Free
NY".
  S 2. Paragraph h of subdivision 2 of section 355 of the education  law
is amended by adding a new subparagraph 1-a to read as follows:
  (1-A) THE TRUSTEES SHALL IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO PERMIT ANY STUDENT WHO
HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO A STATE-OPERATED INSTITUTION OF THE STATE UNIVERSI-
TY TO ATTEND WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF TUITION IF SUCH STUDENT FULFILLS THE
REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBPARA-
GRAPH.  THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH SHALL ONLY APPLY TO COSTS OF
ONE  UNDERGRADUATE  DEGREE AND ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH MORE
THAN ONE SIMULTANEOUS UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE SHALL NOT BE COVERED BY  THIS
PROGRAM.
  (I)  THE  TRUSTEES SHALL PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTER
THE PROGRAM ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
  (A) ANY STUDENT ELIGIBLE FOR RESIDENT TUITION RATES  IS  ELIGIBLE  FOR
THIS PROGRAM.
  (B)  THE STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A MINIMUM OF TWO HUNDRED
FIFTY HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR EACH YEAR OF PARTICIPATION  IN  THE
PROGRAM.    FOR  STUDENTS  ENROLLED IN A DESIGNATED SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING AND MATH (STEM)  DEGREE  PROGRAM  SUCH  SERVICE  REQUIREMENT
SHALL  BE  ONE  HUNDRED  TWENTY-FIVE HOURS. THE TRUSTEES SHALL DETERMINE
QUALIFYING STEM DEGREES AND PROGRAMS FOR EACH  EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTION.
THE  PRESIDENT  OF  EACH INSTITUTION OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR DESIGNEES
SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WAIVERS WHICH PERMIT STUDENTS TO MEET  THIS
SERVICE  REQUIREMENT BY PERFORMING SERVICES FOR NON-QUALIFYING ORGANIZA-
TIONS OR, GENERALLY, THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY; PROVIDED THAT  THE  HOUR
REQUIREMENT  IS  MET AND SUCH PRESIDENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR DESIG-
NEES IS SATISFIED THAT THE WORK PERFORMED BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY.

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                           LBD11745-10-4

S. 6511                             2

  (C) A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEING TO  RESIDE
IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF
HIS OR HER ACADEMIC PROGRAM.
  (D)  A  STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME IN NEW YORK
STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF HIS OR  HER
ACADEMIC  PROGRAM.    ANY  PART-TIME  OR  COMBINATION  OF  PART-TIME AND
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT SHALL BE THE EQUIVALENT OF  FIVE  FULL-TIME  YEARS.
ANY  PERIOD  OF  TIME A STUDENT SPENDS UNEMPLOYED OR PURSUING A GRADUATE
DEGREE SHALL NOT PENALIZE A STUDENT FROM RECEIVING THE BENEFITS OF  THIS
PROGRAM,  BUT SHALL NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACCRUAL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THIS ITEM.
  (E) STUDENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE PROGRAM WITHIN
A MINIMUM PERIOD OF TIME TO BE SET BY THE TRUSTEES  WHICH  SHALL  BE  NO
LESS THAN THREE YEARS AND NO MORE THAN FIVE YEARS.
  (F) A STUDENT WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAM OUTLINED IN THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH  SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND AN OUT-OF-STATE GRADUATE SCHOOL WITH-
OUT ANY PENALTY IF SUCH STUDENT PURSUES A  GRADUATE  DEGREE.  ONCE  SUCH
STUDENT CONCLUDES HIS OR HER GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDIES, SUCH STUDENT SHALL
RETURN TO NEW YORK WITHIN ONE YEAR FOR RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT, PER THE
PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS, OR ELSE THE UNDERGRADUATE BENEFIT WILL TURN INTO
A STUDENT LOAN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSE (II) OF THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH.
  (II)  IF  A  STUDENT  OR  FORMER  STUDENT  FAILS TO FULFILL ANY OF THE
REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (I) OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH, THE  TRUSTEES
SHALL  CONVERT  TO  A  STUDENT LOAN THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE TUITION WHICH
WOULD HAVE BEEN PAID BY SUCH STUDENT, AS  DETERMINED  BY  THE  NEW  YORK
STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION, PLUS INTEREST, ACCORDING TO
A  SCHEDULE  TO  BE  DETERMINED BY SUCH CORPORATION.  SUCH REPAYMENT MAY
ALSO BE REQUIRED IF A RECIPIENT FAILS TO RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR  INFOR-
MATION  NECESSARY  TO  DETERMINE  CONTINUED  ELIGIBILITY OR FOR ADMINIS-
TRATION OF THE PROGRAM.
  (III) ANY STUDENT WHO ELECTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM UNDER  THIS
SUBPARAGRAPH  SHALL  BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL PELL GRANT FUNDING
AND TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING. FUNDS AWARDED  UNDER  EITHER  OR
BOTH SUCH PROGRAMS SHALL BE APPLIED TOWARDS THE COST OF TUITION PRIOR TO
AN AWARD UNDER THIS SUBPARAGRAPH.
  (IV) STUDENTS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER COSTS INCLUDING HOUS-
ING, FEES AND OTHER NON-TUITION RELATED CHARGES.
  S  3. Subdivision 7 of section 6206 of the education law is amended by
adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows:
  (D) THE TRUSTEES SHALL IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO PERMIT ANY  STUDENT  WHO
HAS  BEEN  ADMITTED TO AN INSTITUTION OPERATED BY THE CITY UNIVERSITY TO
ATTEND WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF  TUITION  IF  SUCH  STUDENT  FULFILLS  THE
REQUIREMENTS  OF  SUCH  PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARA-
GRAPH.
  (I) THE TRUSTEES SHALL PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCESS  AND  ADMINISTER
THE PROGRAM ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
  (A)  ANY  STUDENT  ELIGIBLE FOR RESIDENT TUITION RATES IS ELIGIBLE FOR
THIS PROGRAM.
  (B) THE STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A MINIMUM OF TWO  HUNDRED
FIFTY  HOURS  OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR EACH YEAR OF PARTICIPATION IN THE
PROGRAM.  FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN  A  DESIGNATED  SCIENCE,  TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING  AND  MATH  (STEM)  DEGREE  PROGRAM SUCH SERVICE REQUIREMENT
SHALL BE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE HOURS.  THE  TRUSTEES  SHALL  DETERMINE
QUALIFYING  STEM  DEGREES AND PROGRAMS FOR EACH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.
THE PRESIDENT OF EACH INSTITUTION OR HIS OR HER  DESIGNEE  OR  DESIGNEES

S. 6511                             3

SHALL  BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WAIVERS WHICH PERMIT STUDENTS TO MEET THIS
SERVICE REQUIREMENT BY PERFORMING SERVICES FOR NON-QUALIFYING  ORGANIZA-
TIONS  OR,  GENERALLY, THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY; PROVIDED THAT THE HOUR
REQUIREMENT  IS  MET AND SUCH PRESIDENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR DESIG-
NEES IS SATISFIED THAT THE WORK PERFORMED BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY.
  (C) A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEING TO  RESIDE
IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF
HIS OR HER ACADEMIC PROGRAM.
  (D)  A  STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME IN NEW YORK
STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF HIS OR  HER
ACADEMIC  PROGRAM.    ANY  PART-TIME  OR  COMBINATION  OF  PART-TIME AND
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT SHALL BE THE EQUIVALENT OF  FIVE  FULL-TIME  YEARS.
ANY  PERIOD  OF  TIME  A  STUDENT SPENDS UNEMPLOYED SHALL NOT PENALIZE A
STUDENT FROM RECEIVING THE BENEFITS  OF  THIS  PROGRAM,  BUT  SHALL  NOT
CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACCRUAL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS CLAUSE.
  (E) STUDENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE PROGRAM WITHIN
A  MINIMUM  PERIOD  OF  TIME TO BE SET BY THE TRUSTEES WHICH SHALL BE NO
LESS THAN THREE YEARS AND NO MORE THAN FIVE YEARS.
  (F) A STUDENT WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAM OUTLINED IN THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND AN OUT-OF-STATE GRADUATE SCHOOL  WITH-
OUT  ANY  PENALTY  IF  SUCH STUDENT PURSUES A GRADUATE DEGREE. ONCE SUCH
STUDENT CONCLUDES HIS OR HER GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDIES, SUCH STUDENT SHALL
RETURN TO NEW YORK WITHIN ONE YEAR FOR RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT, PER THE
PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS, OR ELSE THE UNDERGRADUATE BENEFIT WILL TURN INTO
A STUDENT LOAN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSE (II) OF THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH.
  (II) IF A STUDENT OR FORMER  STUDENT  FAILS  TO  FULFILL  ANY  OF  THE
REQUIREMENTS  SET FORTH IN SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH, THE TRUS-
TEES SHALL CONVERT TO A STUDENT LOAN THE  FULL  AMOUNT  OF  THE  TUITION
WHICH  WOULD  HAVE  BEEN  PAID BY SUCH STUDENT, AS DETERMINED BY THE NEW
YORK STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION, PLUS INTEREST, ACCORD-
ING TO A SCHEDULE TO BE DETERMINED BY SUCH CORPORATION.  SUCH  REPAYMENT
MAY  ALSO  BE  REQUIRED  IF A RECIPIENT FAILS TO RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR
INFORMATION NECESSARY TO DETERMINE CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY OR FOR ADMINIS-
TRATION OF THE PROGRAM.
  (III) ANY STUDENT WHO ELECTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM UNDER  THIS
PARAGRAPH  SHALL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL PELL GRANT FUNDING AND
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING. FUNDS AWARDED UNDER EITHER  OR  BOTH
SUCH  PROGRAMS  SHALL BE APPLIED TOWARDS THE COST OF TUITION PRIOR TO AN
AWARD UNDER THIS SUBPARAGRAPH.
  (IV) STUDENTS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER COSTS INCLUDING HOUS-
ING, FEES AND OTHER NON-TUITION RELATED CHARGES.
  (V) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT  TO  TAXA-
TION.
  S  4. Subdivision 1 of section 6304 of the education law is amended by
adding a new paragraph e to read as follows:
  E. THE TRUSTEES, SPONSORS OR  OTHER  GOVERNING  BODY  OF  A  COMMUNITY
COLLEGE  SHALL  IMPLEMENT  A  PROGRAM TO PERMIT ANY STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN
ADMITTED TO SUCH COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO  ATTEND  WITHOUT  THE  PAYMENT  OF
TUITION IF SUCH STUDENT FULFILLS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH PROGRAM PURSU-
ANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.
  (I)  THE  TRUSTEES SHALL PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTER
THE PROGRAM ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
  (A) ANY STUDENT ELIGIBLE FOR RESIDENT TUITION RATES  IS  ELIGIBLE  FOR
THIS PROGRAM.

S. 6511                             4

  (B)  THE STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A MINIMUM OF TWO HUNDRED
FIFTY HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR EACH YEAR OF PARTICIPATION  IN  THE
PROGRAM.    FOR  STUDENTS  ENROLLED IN A DESIGNATED SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING AND MATH (STEM)  DEGREE  PROGRAM  SUCH  SERVICE  REQUIREMENT
SHALL  BE  ONE  HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE HOURS. THE STATE UNIVERSITY TRUSTEES
SHALL DETERMINE QUALIFYING STEM DEGREES AND PROGRAMS FOR EACH  COMMUNITY
COLLEGE.  THE PRESIDENT OR CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OF EACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR DESIGNEES SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WAIVERS
WHICH PERMIT STUDENTS TO MEET THIS  SERVICE  REQUIREMENT  BY  PERFORMING
SERVICES  FOR  NON-QUALIFYING  ORGANIZATIONS;  PROVIDED  THAT  THE  HOUR
REQUIREMENT IS MET AND SUCH PRESIDENT, CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OR HIS OR HER
DESIGNEE OR DESIGNEES IS SATISFIED THAT THE WORK PERFORMED BENEFITS  THE
COMMUNITY.
  (C)  A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEING TO RESIDE
IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF
HIS OR HER ACADEMIC PROGRAM.
  (D) A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A
PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF  HIS  OR  HER  ACADEMIC
PROGRAM.
  (E)  A  STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME IN NEW YORK
STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF HIS OR  HER
ACADEMIC   PROGRAM.  ANY  PART-TIME  OR  COMBINATION  OF  PART-TIME  AND
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT SHALL BE THE EQUIVALENT OF  FIVE  FULL-TIME  YEARS.
ANY  PERIOD  OF  TIME A STUDENT SPENDS UNEMPLOYED OR PURSUING A GRADUATE
DEGREE SHALL NOT PENALIZE A STUDENT FROM RECEIVING THE BENEFITS OF  THIS
PROGRAM,  BUT SHALL NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACCRUAL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THIS CLAUSE.
  (F) STUDENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE PROGRAM WITHIN
A MINIMUM PERIOD OF TIME TO BE SET BY THE TRUSTEES  WHICH  SHALL  BE  NO
LESS THAN ONE YEAR AND NO MORE THAN THREE YEARS.
  (G) A STUDENT WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAM OUTLINED IN THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH  SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND AN OUT-OF-STATE GRADUATE SCHOOL WITH-
OUT ANY PENALTY IF SUCH STUDENT PURSUES A  GRADUATE  DEGREE.  ONCE  SUCH
STUDENT CONCLUDES HIS OR HER GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDIES, SUCH STUDENT SHALL
RETURN TO NEW YORK WITHIN ONE YEAR FOR RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT, PER THE
PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS, OR ELSE THE UNDERGRADUATE BENEFIT WILL TURN INTO
A  STUDENT  LOAN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS
PARAGRAPH.
  (II) IF A STUDENT OR FORMER  STUDENT  FAILS  TO  FULFILL  ANY  OF  THE
REQUIREMENTS  SET FORTH IN SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH, THE TRUS-
TEES SHALL CONVERT TO A STUDENT LOAN THE  FULL  AMOUNT  OF  THE  TUITION
WHICH  WOULD  HAVE  BEEN  PAID BY SUCH STUDENT, AS DETERMINED BY THE NEW
YORK STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION, PLUS INTEREST, ACCORD-
ING TO A SCHEDULE TO BE DETERMINED BY SUCH CORPORATION.  SUCH  REPAYMENT
MAY  ALSO  BE  REQUIRED  IF A RECIPIENT FAILS TO RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR
INFORMATION NECESSARY TO DETERMINE CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY OR FOR ADMINIS-
TRATION OF THE PROGRAM.
  (III) ANY STUDENT WHO ELECTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM UNDER  THIS
PARAGRAPH  SHALL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL PELL GRANT FUNDING AND
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING. FUNDS AWARDED UNDER EITHER  OR  BOTH
SUCH  PROGRAMS  SHALL BE APPLIED TOWARDS THE COST OF TUITION PRIOR TO AN
AWARD UNDER THIS SUBPARAGRAPH.
  (IV) STUDENTS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER COSTS INCLUDING HOUS-
ING, FEES AND OTHER NON-TUITION RELATED CHARGES.
  S 5. Subdivision 1 of section 6304 of the education law is amended  by
adding a new paragraph a-1 to read as follows:

S. 6511                             5

  A-1. STATE FINANCIAL AID SHALL BE INCREASED ABOVE THE ONE-THIRD AMOUNT
OF  OPERATING  COSTS  SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH A OF THIS SUBDIVISION BY AN
AMOUNT WHICH IS EQUAL TO THE COST OF TUITION  AWARDED  TO  STUDENTS  WHO
APPLY  AND  QUALIFY  FOR  THE  PROGRAM  SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH E OF THIS
SUBDIVISION.
  S 6. This act shall take effect April 1, 2015; provided, however, that
effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule
or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effec-
tive  date  are  authorized  and directed to be made and completed on or
before such effective date.

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A8585
Current Committee:: Senate Higher Education
Law Section:: Education Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §§355, 6206 & 6304, Ed L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2015-2016: S4760, A5098
2017-2018: S4749, A4100
2019-2020: S1725
2021-2022: S1739
2023-2024: S3411
2025-2026: S4781

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 6511--A

                            I N  S E N A T E

                            January 31, 2014
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  SAVINO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed  to  the  Committee  on  Higher  Education  --
  committee  discharged,  bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and
  recommitted to said committee

AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to enacting "Tuition-Free
  NY"

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section  1.  This act shall be known and may be cited as "Tuition-Free
NY".
  S 2. Paragraph h of subdivision 2 of section 355 of the education  law
is amended by adding a new subparagraph 1-a to read as follows:
  (1-A) THE TRUSTEES SHALL IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO PERMIT ANY STUDENT WHO
HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO A STATE-OPERATED INSTITUTION OF THE STATE UNIVERSI-
TY  TO  ATTEND  WITHOUT  THE PAYMENT OF TUITION AND FEES IF SUCH STUDENT
FULFILLS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS  OF
THIS SUBPARAGRAPH.  THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH SHALL ONLY APPLY
TO COSTS OF ONE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED
WITH  MORE  THAN  ONE  SIMULTANEOUS  UNDERGRADUATE  DEGREE  SHALL NOT BE
COVERED BY THIS PROGRAM.
  (I) THE TRUSTEES SHALL PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCESS  AND  ADMINISTER
THE PROGRAM ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
  (A)  ANY  STUDENT  ELIGIBLE FOR RESIDENT TUITION RATES IS ELIGIBLE FOR
THIS PROGRAM.
  (B) THE STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A MINIMUM OF TWO  HUNDRED
FIFTY  HOURS  OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR EACH YEAR OF PARTICIPATION IN THE
PROGRAM. THE PRESIDENT OF EACH INSTITUTION OR HIS  OR  HER  DESIGNEE  OR
DESIGNEES  SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WAIVERS WHICH PERMIT STUDENTS TO
MEET THIS SERVICE REQUIREMENT BY PERFORMING SERVICES FOR  NON-QUALIFYING
ORGANIZATIONS  OR,  GENERALLY,  THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY; PROVIDED THAT
THE HOUR REQUIREMENT IS MET AND SUCH PRESIDENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR
DESIGNEES IS SATISFIED THAT THE WORK PERFORMED BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY.
  (C) A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEING TO  RESIDE
IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF
HIS OR HER ACADEMIC PROGRAM.
  (D)  A  STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME IN NEW YORK
STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF HIS OR  HER

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD11745-17-4

S. 6511--A                          2

ACADEMIC  PROGRAM.    ANY  PART-TIME  OR  COMBINATION  OF  PART-TIME AND
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT SHALL BE THE EQUIVALENT OF  FIVE  FULL-TIME  YEARS.
ANY  PERIOD  OF  TIME A STUDENT SPENDS UNEMPLOYED OR PURSUING A GRADUATE
DEGREE  SHALL NOT PENALIZE A STUDENT FROM RECEIVING THE BENEFITS OF THIS
PROGRAM, BUT SHALL NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACCRUAL OF THE REQUIREMENTS  OF
THIS ITEM.
  (E) STUDENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE PROGRAM WITHIN
A  MINIMUM  PERIOD  OF  TIME TO BE SET BY THE TRUSTEES WHICH SHALL BE NO
LESS THAN THREE YEARS AND NO MORE THAN FIVE YEARS.
  (F) A STUDENT WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAM OUTLINED IN THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND AN OUT-OF-STATE GRADUATE SCHOOL  WITH-
OUT  ANY  PENALTY  IF  SUCH STUDENT PURSUES A GRADUATE DEGREE. ONCE SUCH
STUDENT CONCLUDES HIS OR HER GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDIES, SUCH STUDENT SHALL
RETURN TO NEW YORK WITHIN ONE YEAR FOR RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT, PER THE
PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS, OR ELSE THE UNDERGRADUATE BENEFIT WILL TURN INTO
A STUDENT LOAN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSE (II) OF THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH.
  (II) IF A STUDENT OR FORMER  STUDENT  FAILS  TO  FULFILL  ANY  OF  THE
REQUIREMENTS  SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (I) OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH, THE TRUSTEES
SHALL CONVERT TO A STUDENT LOAN THE FULL AMOUNT  OF  THE  TUITION  WHICH
WOULD  HAVE  BEEN  PAID  BY  SUCH STUDENT, AS DETERMINED BY THE NEW YORK
STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION, PLUS INTEREST, ACCORDING TO
A SCHEDULE TO BE DETERMINED BY SUCH CORPORATION.    SUCH  REPAYMENT  MAY
ALSO  BE REQUIRED IF A RECIPIENT FAILS TO RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR INFOR-
MATION NECESSARY TO DETERMINE  CONTINUED  ELIGIBILITY  OR  FOR  ADMINIS-
TRATION OF THE PROGRAM.
  (III)  ANY STUDENT WHO ELECTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM UNDER THIS
SUBPARAGRAPH SHALL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR TUITION  ASSISTANCE  PROGRAM
FUNDING.  FUNDS  AWARDED  ON  THE  TUITION  ASSISTANCE  PROGRAM SHALL BE
APPLIED TOWARDS THE COST OF TUITION PRIOR TO AN AWARD UNDER THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH.
  (IV) STUDENTS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER COSTS INCLUDING HOUS-
ING, FEES AND OTHER NON-TUITION RELATED CHARGES.
  S 3. Subdivision 7 of section 6206 of the education law is amended  by
adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows:
  (D)  THE  TRUSTEES SHALL IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO PERMIT ANY STUDENT WHO
HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO AN INSTITUTION OPERATED BY THE CITY  UNIVERSITY  TO
ATTEND  WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF TUITION AND FEES IF SUCH STUDENT FULFILLS
THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH PROGRAM PURSUANT  TO  THE  PROVISIONS  OF  THIS
PARAGRAPH.
  (I)  THE  TRUSTEES SHALL PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMINISTER
THE PROGRAM ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
  (A) ANY STUDENT ELIGIBLE FOR RESIDENT TUITION RATES  IS  ELIGIBLE  FOR
THIS PROGRAM.
  (B)  THE STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A MINIMUM OF TWO HUNDRED
FIFTY HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR EACH YEAR OF PARTICIPATION  IN  THE
PROGRAM.    THE  PRESIDENT OF EACH INSTITUTION OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR
DESIGNEES SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WAIVERS WHICH PERMIT STUDENTS  TO
MEET  THIS SERVICE REQUIREMENT BY PERFORMING SERVICES FOR NON-QUALIFYING
ORGANIZATIONS OR, GENERALLY, THE SURROUNDING  COMMUNITY;  PROVIDED  THAT
THE HOUR REQUIREMENT IS MET AND SUCH PRESIDENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR
DESIGNEES IS SATISFIED THAT THE WORK PERFORMED BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY.
  (C)  A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEING TO RESIDE
IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF
HIS OR HER ACADEMIC PROGRAM.

S. 6511--A                          3

  (D) A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME IN  NEW  YORK
STATE  FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF HIS OR HER
ACADEMIC PROGRAM.    ANY  PART-TIME  OR  COMBINATION  OF  PART-TIME  AND
FULL-TIME  EMPLOYMENT  SHALL  BE THE EQUIVALENT OF FIVE FULL-TIME YEARS.
ANY  PERIOD  OF  TIME  A  STUDENT SPENDS UNEMPLOYED SHALL NOT PENALIZE A
STUDENT FROM RECEIVING THE BENEFITS  OF  THIS  PROGRAM,  BUT  SHALL  NOT
CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACCRUAL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS CLAUSE.
  (E) STUDENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE PROGRAM WITHIN
A  MINIMUM  PERIOD  OF  TIME TO BE SET BY THE TRUSTEES WHICH SHALL BE NO
LESS THAN THREE YEARS AND NO MORE THAN FIVE YEARS.
  (F) A STUDENT WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAM OUTLINED IN THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND AN OUT-OF-STATE GRADUATE SCHOOL  WITH-
OUT  ANY  PENALTY  IF  SUCH STUDENT PURSUES A GRADUATE DEGREE. ONCE SUCH
STUDENT CONCLUDES HIS OR HER GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDIES, SUCH STUDENT SHALL
RETURN TO NEW YORK WITHIN ONE YEAR FOR RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT, PER THE
PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS, OR ELSE THE UNDERGRADUATE BENEFIT WILL TURN INTO
A STUDENT LOAN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBPARAGRAPH (II)  OF  THIS
PARAGRAPH.
  (II)  IF  A  STUDENT  OR  FORMER  STUDENT  FAILS TO FULFILL ANY OF THE
REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH, THE  TRUS-
TEES  SHALL  CONVERT  TO  A  STUDENT LOAN THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE TUITION
WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN PAID BY SUCH STUDENT, AS  DETERMINED  BY  THE  NEW
YORK STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION, PLUS INTEREST, ACCORD-
ING  TO  A SCHEDULE TO BE DETERMINED BY SUCH CORPORATION. SUCH REPAYMENT
MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED IF A RECIPIENT FAILS TO  RESPOND  TO  REQUESTS  FOR
INFORMATION NECESSARY TO DETERMINE CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY OR FOR ADMINIS-
TRATION OF THE PROGRAM.
  (III)  ANY STUDENT WHO ELECTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM UNDER THIS
PARAGRAPH SHALL BE REQUIRED TO  APPLY  FOR  TUITION  ASSISTANCE  PROGRAM
FUNDING.  FUNDS  AWARDED  ON  THE  TUITION  ASSISTANCE  PROGRAM SHALL BE
APPLIED TOWARDS THE COST OF TUITION PRIOR TO AN AWARD UNDER THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH.
  (IV) STUDENTS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER COSTS INCLUDING HOUS-
ING, FEES AND OTHER NON-TUITION RELATED CHARGES.
  (V) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT  TO  TAXA-
TION.
  S  4. Subdivision 1 of section 6304 of the education law is amended by
adding a new paragraph e to read as follows:
  E. THE TRUSTEES, SPONSORS OR  OTHER  GOVERNING  BODY  OF  A  COMMUNITY
COLLEGE  SHALL  IMPLEMENT  A  PROGRAM TO PERMIT ANY STUDENT WHO HAS BEEN
ADMITTED TO SUCH COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO  ATTEND  WITHOUT  THE  PAYMENT  OF
TUITION  AND  FEES  IF  SUCH  STUDENT  FULFILLS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH
PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.
  (I) THE TRUSTEES SHALL PROVIDE AN APPLICATION PROCESS  AND  ADMINISTER
THE PROGRAM ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
  (A)  ANY  STUDENT  ELIGIBLE FOR RESIDENT TUITION RATES IS ELIGIBLE FOR
THIS PROGRAM.
  (B) THE STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A MINIMUM OF TWO  HUNDRED
FIFTY  HOURS  OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR EACH YEAR OF PARTICIPATION IN THE
PROGRAM.  THE PRESIDENT OR CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OF EACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE OR DESIGNEES SHALL BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WAIVERS
WHICH PERMIT STUDENTS TO MEET THIS  SERVICE  REQUIREMENT  BY  PERFORMING
SERVICES  FOR  NON-QUALIFYING  ORGANIZATIONS;  PROVIDED  THAT  THE  HOUR
REQUIREMENT IS MET AND SUCH PRESIDENT, CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OR HIS OR HER
DESIGNEE OR DESIGNEES IS SATISFIED THAT THE WORK PERFORMED BENEFITS  THE
COMMUNITY.

S. 6511--A                          4

  (C)  A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEING TO RESIDE
IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF
HIS OR HER ACADEMIC PROGRAM.
  (D) A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED IN NEW YORK STATE FOR A
PERIOD  OF  FIVE  YEARS  SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF HIS OR HER ACADEMIC
PROGRAM.
  (E) A STUDENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO BE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME IN  NEW  YORK
STATE  FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS SUBSEQUENT TO COMPLETION OF HIS OR HER
ACADEMIC  PROGRAM.  ANY  PART-TIME  OR  COMBINATION  OF  PART-TIME   AND
FULL-TIME  EMPLOYMENT  SHALL  BE THE EQUIVALENT OF FIVE FULL-TIME YEARS.
ANY PERIOD OF TIME A STUDENT SPENDS UNEMPLOYED OR  PURSUING  A  GRADUATE
DEGREE  SHALL NOT PENALIZE A STUDENT FROM RECEIVING THE BENEFITS OF THIS
PROGRAM, BUT SHALL NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACCRUAL OF THE REQUIREMENTS  OF
THIS CLAUSE.
  (F) STUDENTS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE PROGRAM WITHIN
A  MINIMUM  PERIOD  OF  TIME TO BE SET BY THE TRUSTEES WHICH SHALL BE NO
LESS THAN ONE YEAR AND NO MORE THAN THREE YEARS.
  (G) A STUDENT WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAM OUTLINED IN THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND AN OUT-OF-STATE GRADUATE SCHOOL  WITH-
OUT  ANY  PENALTY  IF  SUCH STUDENT PURSUES A GRADUATE DEGREE. ONCE SUCH
STUDENT CONCLUDES HIS OR HER GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDIES, SUCH STUDENT SHALL
RETURN TO NEW YORK WITHIN ONE YEAR FOR RESIDENCY AND EMPLOYMENT, PER THE
PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS, OR ELSE THE UNDERGRADUATE BENEFIT WILL TURN INTO
A STUDENT LOAN PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBPARAGRAPH (II)  OF  THIS
PARAGRAPH.
  (II)  IF  A  STUDENT  OR  FORMER  STUDENT  FAILS TO FULFILL ANY OF THE
REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH, THE  TRUS-
TEES  SHALL  CONVERT  TO  A  STUDENT LOAN THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE TUITION
WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN PAID BY SUCH STUDENT, AS  DETERMINED  BY  THE  NEW
YORK STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION, PLUS INTEREST, ACCORD-
ING  TO  A SCHEDULE TO BE DETERMINED BY SUCH CORPORATION. SUCH REPAYMENT
MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED IF A RECIPIENT FAILS TO  RESPOND  TO  REQUESTS  FOR
INFORMATION NECESSARY TO DETERMINE CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY OR FOR ADMINIS-
TRATION OF THE PROGRAM.
  (III)  ANY STUDENT WHO ELECTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM UNDER THIS
PARAGRAPH SHALL BE REQUIRED TO  APPLY  FOR  TUITION  ASSISTANCE  PROGRAM
FUNDING.  FUNDS  AWARDED  ON  THE  TUITION  ASSISTANCE  PROGRAM SHALL BE
APPLIED TOWARDS THE COST OF TUITION PRIOR TO AN AWARD UNDER THIS SUBPAR-
AGRAPH.
  (IV) STUDENTS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OTHER COSTS INCLUDING HOUS-
ING, FEES AND OTHER NON-TUITION RELATED CHARGES.
  S 5. Subdivision 1 of section 6304 of the education law is amended  by
adding a new paragraph a-1 to read as follows:
  A-1. STATE FINANCIAL AID SHALL BE INCREASED ABOVE THE ONE-THIRD AMOUNT
OF  OPERATING  COSTS  SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH A OF THIS SUBDIVISION BY AN
AMOUNT WHICH IS EQUAL TO THE COST OF TUITION  AWARDED  TO  STUDENTS  WHO
APPLY  AND  QUALIFY  FOR  THE  PROGRAM  SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH E OF THIS
SUBDIVISION.
  S 6. This act shall take effect April 1, 2015; provided, however, that
effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule
or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effec-
tive date are authorized and directed to be made  and  completed  on  or
before such effective date.

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Senate Bill S6511A

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Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Higher Education Committee

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Sponsored By

Diane J. Savino

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Higher Education Committee

Actions

Bill Amendments

2013-S6511 - Details

2013-S6511 - Summary

2013-S6511 - Sponsor Memo

2013-S6511 - Bill Text download pdf

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Details

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2013-S6511A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

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