[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10249-02-9
A. 7290 2
project for which a certificate of substantial completion was and/or
is issued on or after April 1, 1995, where a final cost report was not
submitted by June 30th of the school year in which the certificate of
substantial completion of the project was issued by the architect or
engineer, or six months after issuance of such certificate
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 810 of the education law, as amended by chapter 616
of the laws of 1969 and subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 96 of the
laws of 1978, is amended to read as follows:
§ 810. [Conservation] EARTH day. [1. The last Friday in April each
year is hereby made and declared to be known as Conservation day, and
observed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, except that
for the year nineteen hundred seventy-eight, Conservation day shall be
May third.
2. It shall be the duty of the authorities of every public school in
this state to assemble the pupils in their charge on that day in the
school building, or elsewhere, as they may deem proper, and to provide
for and conduct (1) such exercises as shall tend to encourage the plant-
ing, protection and preservation of trees and shrubs, and an acquaint-
ance with the best methods to be adopted to accomplish such results, and
(2) such lectures, pictures or tours, as shall tend to increase the
interest and knowledge of such pupils in the fish and wild life, soil
and water of the state.
3. The commissioner of education may prescribe from time to time a
course of exercises and instruction in the subjects hereinbefore
mentioned, which shall be adopted and observed by the public school
authorities on Conservation day. Upon receipt of copies of such course
sufficient in number to supply all the schools under their supervision,
the school authorities aforesaid shall promptly provide each of the
schools under their charge with a copy, and cause it to be observed]
ANNUALLY, IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE AUTHORITIES OF EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL
IN THIS STATE TO OBSERVE EARTH DAY AS THEY MAY DEEM PROPER AND TO
ENCOURAGE INSTRUCTION ON THE EARTH'S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AS APPROPRIATE.
§ 2. Paragraph a of subdivision 14 of section 305 of the education
law, as amended by chapter 273 of the laws of 1999, is amended to read
as follows:
a. All contracts for the transportation of school children, all
contracts to maintain school buses owned or leased by a school district
that are used for the transportation of school children, all contracts
for mobile instructional units, and all contracts to provide, maintain
and operate cafeteria or restaurant service by a private food service
management company shall be subject to the approval of the commissioner,
who may disapprove a proposed contract if, in his OR HER opinion, the
best interests of the district will be promoted thereby. Except as
provided in paragraph e of this subdivision, all such contracts involv-
ing an annual expenditure in excess of the amount specified for purchase
contracts in the bidding requirements of the general municipal law shall
be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, which responsibility shall
be determined by the board of education or the trustee of a district,
with power hereby vested in the commissioner to reject any or all bids
if, in his OR HER opinion, the best interests of the district will be
promoted thereby and, upon such rejection of all bids, the commissioner
A. 7290 3
shall order the board of education or trustee of the district to seek,
obtain and consider new proposals. All proposals for such transporta-
tion, maintenance, mobile instructional units, or cafeteria and restau-
rant service shall be in such form as the commissioner may prescribe.
Advertisement for bids shall be published in a newspaper or newspapers
designated by the board of education or trustee of the district having
general circulation within the district for such purpose OR IN THE
STATE'S PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES NEWSLETTER IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE
FOUR-C OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LAW. Such advertisement shall contain
a statement of the time when and place where all bids received pursuant
to such advertisement will be publicly opened and read either by the
school authorities or by a person or persons designated by them. All
bids received shall be publicly opened and read at the time and place so
specified. At least five days shall elapse between the first publication
of such advertisement and the date so specified for the opening and
reading of bids. The requirement for competitive bidding shall not apply
to an award of a contract for the transportation of pupils or a contract
for mobile instructional units OR THE PROVISION, MAINTENANCE AND OPERA-
TION OF CAFETERIA OR RESTAURANT SERVICE, if such award is based on an
evaluation of proposals in response to a request for proposals pursuant
to paragraph e of this subdivision. The requirement for competitive
bidding shall not apply to annual, biennial, or triennial extensions of
a contract nor shall the requirement for competitive bidding apply to
quadrennial or quinquennial year extensions of a contract involving
transportation of pupils, maintenance of school buses or mobile instruc-
tional units secured either through competitive bidding or through eval-
uation of proposals in response to a request for proposals pursuant to
paragraph e of this subdivision, when such extensions (1) are made by
the board of education or the trustee of a district, under rules and
regulations prescribed by the commissioner, and, (2) do not extend the
original contract period beyond five years from the date cafeteria and
restaurant service commenced thereunder and in the case of contracts for
the transportation of pupils, for the maintenance of school buses or for
mobile instructional units, that such contracts may be extended, except
that power is hereby vested in the commissioner, in addition to his OR
HER existing statutory authority to approve or disapprove transportation
or maintenance contracts, (i) to reject any extension of a contract
beyond the initial term thereof if he OR SHE finds that amount to be
paid by the district to the contractor in any year of such proposed
extension fails to reflect any decrease in the regional consumer price
index for the N.Y., N.Y.-Northeastern, N.J. area, based upon the index
for all urban consumers (CPI-U) during the preceding twelve month peri-
od; and (ii) to reject any extension of a contract after ten years from
the date transportation or maintenance service commenced thereunder, or
mobile instructional units were first provided, if in his OR HER opin-
ion, the best interests of the district will be promoted thereby. Upon
such rejection of any proposed extension, the commissioner may order the
board of education or trustee of the district to seek, obtain and
consider bids pursuant to the provisions of this section. The board of
education or the trustee of a school district electing to extend a
contract as provided herein, may, in its discretion, increase the amount
to be paid in each year of the contract extension by an amount not to
exceed the regional consumer price index increase for the N.Y.,
N.Y.-Northeastern, N.J. area, based upon the index for all urban consum-
ers (CPI-U), during the preceding twelve month period, provided it has
been satisfactorily established by the contractor that there has been at
A. 7290 4
least an equivalent increase in the amount of his OR HER cost of opera-
tion, during the period of the contract.
§ 3. Paragraph e of subdivision 14 of section 305 of the education
law, as amended by chapter 464 of the laws of 1997, is amended to read
as follows:
e. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law
or charter, a board of education or a trustee of a district, pursuant to
rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner, may award a
contract for the transportation of pupils or a contract for mobile
instructional units OR FOR THE PROVISION, MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF
CAFETERIA OR RESTAURANT SERVICE BY A PRIVATE FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT
COMPANY involving an annual expenditure in excess of the amount speci-
fied for purchase contracts in the bidding requirements of the general
municipal law in compliance with the provisions of paragraph a of this
subdivision or subsequent to an evaluation of proposals submitted in
response to a request for proposals prepared by or for the board of
education or trustee of a district. A CONTRACT AWARDED THROUGH A REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS SHALL BE AWARDED BASED ON BEST VALUE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION ONE HUNDRED THREE OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW. The commission-
er, in addition to his OR HER existing statutory authority to approve or
disapprove transportation contracts, may reject any award of a transpor-
tation contract or a contract for mobile instructional units that is
based on an evaluation of proposals submitted in response to a request
for proposals if he OR SHE finds that (1) the contractor is not the most
responsive to the request for proposals, or (2) that the best interests
of the district will be promoted thereby.
§ 4. Subdivision 1 of section 6-0107 of the environmental conservation
law, as added by chapter 433 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as
follows:
1. In addition to meeting other criteria and requirements of law
governing approval, development, financing and state aid for the
construction of new or expanded public infrastructure or the recon-
struction thereof, no state infrastructure agency shall approve, under-
take, support or finance a public infrastructure project, including
providing grants, awards, loans or assistance programs, unless, to the
extent practicable, it is consistent with the relevant criteria speci-
fied in subdivision two of this section. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS
OF THIS SUBDIVISION OR ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE TO THE
CONTRARY, PROJECTS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, REPAIR OR
IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES OR EXISTING LIBRARY
FACILITIES, AND PROJECTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW OR EXPANDED PUBLIC
SCHOOL OR LIBRARY FACILITIES IN CITIES HAVING A POPULATION OF ONE
HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND INHABITANTS OR MORE, SHALL NOT BE DEEMED
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ARTI-
CLE.
§ 5. Subparagraph 1 of paragraph (b) and paragraphs (c) and (d) of
subdivision 20 of section 375 of the vehicle and traffic law, subpara-
graph 1 of paragraph (b) as amended by chapter 242 of the laws of 1992,
paragraph (c) as amended by chapter 96 of the laws of 1973 and paragraph
(d) as amended by chapter 567 of the laws of 1985, are amended to read
as follows:
(1) In addition to such signal lamps, two signs shall be conspicuously
displayed on the exterior of every such omnibus designating it as a
school omnibus by the use of the words "SCHOOL BUS" which shall be
painted or otherwise inscribed thereon in black letters. Such letters
shall be of uniform size, at least eight inches in height, and each
A. 7290 5
stroke of each letter shall be not less than one inch in width. The
background of each such sign shall be painted [the color known as
"national school bus chrome."] ON A BACKGROUND OF RETRO REFLECTIVE
NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS YELLOW MATERIAL. THE MATERIAL SHALL BE THE SAME
QUALITY AND TYPE AS FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE FOR
THE MARKING OF EMERGENCY EXITS. For each such omnibus having a seating
capacity in excess of fifteen children, such signs shall be securely
mounted on top of such vehicle, one of which shall be affixed on the
front and one on the rear thereof. For each such omnibus having a seat-
ing capacity of not more than fifteen children, such signs shall be
securely mounted on top of such vehicle, one of which shall face the
front and one of which shall face the rear thereof. Each such sign shall
be visible and readable from a point at least two hundred feet distant.
(c) [In the event such vehicle is operated on a public highway during
the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before
sunrise, the signs required by paragraph (b) of this subdivision shall
be illuminated as to be visible from a point at least five hundred feet
distant.
(d)] Every such omnibus shall be equipped as provided in paragraphs
(a) and (b) of this subdivision, [and such signs shall be displayed and
illuminated in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subdivi-
sion,] and such signal lamps shall be operated as provided in paragraph
(a) of this subdivision at all times when such omnibus shall be engaged
in transporting pupils to and from school or school activities or in
transporting children to and from child care centers maintained for
children of migrant farm and food processing laborers, or in transport-
ing children to and from camp or camp activities or transporting chil-
dren to and from religious services or instruction or transporting
persons with disabilities on any such omnibus used by any state facility
or not-for-profit agency licensed by the state.
§ 6. Subdivision 15 of section 353 of the executive law is REPEALED.
§ 7. The commissioner of education, in consultation with the office of
the state comptroller, shall conduct a study of the feasibility and
desirability of authorizing school districts and boards of cooperative
educational services to enter national credit card contracts as a cost-
saving measure, with appropriate safeguards. The commissioner of educa-
tion shall submit a report to the board of regents, the governor and the
legislature by no later than January 15, 2020, with recommendations on
whether and under what conditions such credit card contracts should be
authorized and identifying any legislative or regulatory changes that
would be needed to authorize such credit card contracts.
§ 8. Paragraph a of subdivision 1 and paragraph a and subparagraph 1
of paragraph b of subdivision 2 of section 3602-c of the education law,
paragraph a of subdivision 1 as amended by chapter 474 of the laws of
2004, paragraph a and subparagraph 1 of paragraph b of subdivision 2 as
amended by chapter 378 of the laws of 2007, are amended and a new para-
graph e is added to subdivision 2 to read as follows:
a. "Services" shall mean instruction in the areas of gifted pupils,
career education and education for students with disabilities, and coun-
seling, psychological and social work services related to such instruc-
tion provided during the regular school year for pupils enrolled in a
nonpublic school located in a school district, INCLUDING SPECIAL EDUCA-
TION PROGRAMS AND RELATED SERVICES AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF
SECTION FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED ONE OF THIS CHAPTER OTHER THAN AN APPROVED
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL OR NON-RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL FOR THE EDUCATION OF
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, provided that such instruction is given to
A. 7290 6
pupils enrolled in the public schools of such district. SUCH TERM SHALL
ALSO INCLUDE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ENROLLED IN SUCH A
NONPUBLIC SCHOOL WHICH IS PROVIDED IN JULY AND AUGUST IN ACCORDANCE WITH
PARAGRAPH E OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
a. Boards of education of all school districts of the state shall
furnish services to students who are residents of this state and who
attend nonpublic schools located in such school districts, upon the
written request of the parent or person in parental relation of any such
student. Such a request for career education or services to gifted
students shall be filed with the board of education of the school
district in which the parent or person in parental relation of the
student resides on or before the first day of June preceding the school
year for which the request is made. In the case of education for
students with disabilities, such a request shall be filed with the trus-
tees or board of education of the school district of location on or
before the first of [June] APRIL preceding the school year for which the
request is made[, or by July first, two thousand seven for the two thou-
sand seven--two thousand eight school year only,] FOR THOSE STUDENTS FOR
WHOM AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION SERVICE PROGRAM WAS DEVELOPED AND
IMPLEMENTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION PRIOR TO SUCH DATE, AND ON OR
BEFORE THE FIRST OF JUNE PRECEDING THE SCHOOL YEAR FOR WHICH THE REQUEST
IS MADE FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO WILL BE FIRST RECEIVING EDUCATION FOR
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION IN THE SCHOOL YEAR
FOR WHICH THE REQUEST IS MADE OR FOR WHOM AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION
SERVICE PROGRAM IS FIRST DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED ON OR AFTER APRIL
FIRST AND ON OR BEFORE JUNE FIRST; provided that where a student is
first identified as a student with a disability after the first day of
June preceding the school year for which the request is made, [or thirty
days after the chapter of the laws of two thousand seven which amended
this paragraph, takes effect where applicable, and prior to the first
day of April of such current school year,] such request shall be submit-
ted within thirty days after AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION SERVICE PROGRAM
IS DEVELOPED FOR such student [is first identified. For students first
identified after March first of the current school year, any such
request for education for students with disabilities in the current
school year that is submitted on or after April first of such current
school year, shall be deemed a timely request for such services in the
following school year].
(1) For the purpose of obtaining education for students with disabili-
ties, as defined in paragraph d of subdivision one of this section, such
request shall be reviewed by the committee on special education of the
school district of location, which shall develop an individualized
education service program for the student based on the student's indi-
vidual needs in the same manner [and with the same contents] as an indi-
vidualized education program. The committee on special education shall
assure that special education programs and services are made available
to students with disabilities attending nonpublic schools located within
the school district on an equitable basis, as compared to special educa-
tion programs and services provided to other students with disabilities
attending public or nonpublic schools located within the school
district, EXCEPT THAT SUCH SERVICES SHALL NOT INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF A
SPECIAL CLASS OR INTEGRATED CO-TEACHING SERVICES, AS SUCH TERMS ARE
DEFINED IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER, BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF LOCATION FOR ALL OR PART OF THE SCHOOL DAY. Review of the recommenda-
tion of the committee on special education may be obtained by the parent
or person in parental relation of the pupil pursuant to the provisions
A. 7290 7
of section forty-four hundred four of this chapter; PROVIDED THAT A DUE
PROCESS COMPLAINT, OTHER THAN A DUE PROCESS COMPLAINT RELATING TO CHILD
FIND REQUIREMENTS BROUGHT PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH C OF THIS SUBDIVISION,
SUBMITTED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWELVE MAY BE
SUBMITTED TO MEDIATION PURSUANT TO SECTION FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED FOUR-A OF
THIS CHAPTER.
E. A NONPUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT WHOSE DISABILITY IS SEVERE ENOUGH TO
EXHIBIT THE NEED FOR A STRUCTURED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF TWELVE MONTHS
DURATION TO MAINTAIN DEVELOPMENTAL LEVELS SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IN JULY AND AUGUST IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION SERVICE PROGRAM DEVELOPED BY THE
COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LOCATION AND
THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED EIGHT OF THIS CHAPTER.
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT DURING A JULY/AUGUST SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM,
SUCH SERVICES SHALL NOT INCLUDE PLACEMENT IN A SPECIAL CLASS OR INTE-
GRATED CO-TEACHING SERVICES, AS SUCH TERMS ARE DEFINED IN THE REGU-
LATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW
TO THE CONTRARY, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LOCATION SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR
STATE AID FOR SUCH SERVICES EXCLUSIVELY PURSUANT TO SECTION FORTY-FOUR
HUNDRED EIGHT OF THIS CHAPTER.
§ 9. Paragraph e of subdivision 2 of section 4002 of the education
law, as added by chapter 563 of the laws of 1980, is amended to read as
follows:
e. Appointment by the commissioner to a state [or state-supported]
school in accordance with article [eighty-five,] eighty-seven or eight-
y-eight of this chapter OR ENROLLMENT IN A STATE-SUPPORTED SCHOOL IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE EIGHTY-FIVE OF THIS CHAPTER.
§ 10. Subdivision 2 of section 4201 of the education law is amended to
read as follows:
2. It shall be the duty of the commissioner:
a. To inquire into the organization of the several schools and the
methods of instruction employed therein.
b. To prescribe courses of study and methods of instruction that will
meet the requirements of the state for the education of [state] pupils
ATTENDING SUCH SCHOOLS.
c. [To make appointments of pupils to the several schools, to transfer
such pupils from one school to another as circumstances may require; to
cancel appointments for sufficient reason.
d.] To ascertain by a comparison with other similar institutions
whether any improvements in instruction and discipline can be made; and
for that purpose to appoint from time to time, suitable persons to visit
the schools.
[e] D. To suggest to the directors of such institutions and to the
legislature such improvements as he OR SHE shall judge expedient.
[f] E. To make an annual report to the legislature on all of the
matters enumerated in this subdivision and particularly as to the condi-
tion of the schools, the improvement of the pupils, and their treatment
in respect to board and lodging.
§ 11. Section 4203 of the education law is amended to read as follows:
§ 4203. Persons eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT as pupils to
institutions for instruction of the deaf. All deaf children resident in
this state, of the age of three years and upwards and of suitable capac-
ity, and who shall have been resident in this state for one year imme-
diately preceding the application, or, if an orphan, whose nearest
friend shall have been resident in this state for one year immediately
preceding the application, shall be eligible [to appointment] FOR
A. 7290 8
ENROLLMENT as [state] pupils in one of the institutions for the instruc-
tion of the deaf of this state, authorized by law to receive such
pupils; provided, however, the foregoing requirement as to length of
residence in this state may be waived in the discretion of the commis-
sioner [of education]. PLACEMENT IN SUCH INSTITUTIONS SHALL BE RECOM-
MENDED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, OR COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL
SPECIAL EDUCATION WHERE APPLICABLE, OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSIBLE
FOR EDUCATING SUCH PUPIL, AND SUCH RECOMMENDATION MAY INCLUDE THE
PROVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IN JULY OR AUGUST
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH A OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF
SECTION FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED TWO OF THIS CHAPTER.
§ 12. Subdivision 3 of section 4204 of the education law, as amended
by section 51 of part A of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, is amended to
read as follows:
3. The regular term of instruction of any such deaf pupil shall be
twelve years, or until the pupil shall have attained the age of eighteen
years before the expiration of twelve years from the beginning of such
term. The [commissioner] COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION may, in [his]
ITS discretion, [extend] RECOMMEND AN EXTENSION OF the term of any pupil
until [his] THE DATE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN WHICH THE PUPIL'S twenty-
first birthday OCCURS AND SUCH PUPIL'S ELIGIBILITY ENDS PURSUANT TO
SUBDIVISION FIVE OF SECTION FORTY-FOUR HUNDRED TWO OF THIS ARTICLE for
the purpose of pursuing or completing academic or vocational courses of
study. Such pupils must be recommended by the trustees of the institu-
tion in which they are in attendance before THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS
THAT such extension of time [is granted] BE MADE.
§ 13. Section 4206 of the education law, as amended by chapter 53 of
the laws of 1990, is amended to read as follows:
§ 4206. Persons eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT as pupils [to]
IN institutions for instruction of the blind. 1. All blind persons of
suitable age and capacity and who shall have been residents in this
state for one year immediately preceding the application or, if a minor,
whose parent or parents, or, if an orphan, whose nearest friend, shall
have been a resident in this state for one year immediately preceding
the application, shall be eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT as
[state] pupils to the New York Institute for Special Education in the
city of New York or the Lavelle School for the Blind in the city of New
York.
2. Blind babies and children of the age of fifteen years and under and
possessing the other qualifications prescribed in this article and
requiring kindergarten training or other special care and instruction,
shall be eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT as [state] pupils [by the
commissioner of education at his discretion] in any incorporated insti-
tution furnishing approved care, training and instruction for blind
babies and children, and any such child may be transferred to the New
York Institute for Special Education in the city of New York or the
Lavelle School for the Blind in the city of New York, to which he or she
would otherwise be eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT, upon arriving
at suitable age[, in the discretion of the commissioner of education].
3. [All such appointments shall be made by the commissioner of educa-
tion.] The requirement of this section as to length of residence in this
state may be waived in the discretion of the commissioner [of educa-
tion].
4. PLACEMENT IN SUCH INSTITUTIONS SHALL BE RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMIT-
TEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, OR COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION
WHERE APPLICABLE, OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSIBLE FOR EDUCATING SUCH
A. 7290 9
PUPIL, AND SUCH RECOMMENDATION MAY INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IN JULY OR AUGUST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH A OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION FORTY-FOUR
HUNDRED TWO OF THIS TITLE.
§ 14. Subdivisions 3 and 4 of section 4207 of the education law, as
amended by section 54 of part A of chapter 58 of the laws of 2011, are
amended to read as follows:
3. The regular term of instruction of any such blind pupil in the New
York Institute for Special Education shall be eight years. The [commis-
sioner] COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSI-
BLE FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE PUPIL, WITH THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES OF
THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION, may in [his] ITS
discretion [extend] RECOMMEND THE EXTENSION OF the term of any pupil for
a period not exceeding three years. It shall also be lawful for the
[commissioner] COMMITTEE to continue such pupils [as state pupils] for
an additional period of three years for the purpose of pursuing or
completing a course of high school study[; such pupils must be recom-
mended by the trustees of the New York Institute for Special Education
before such extension is granted].
4. The term of appointment for blind babies and children of the age of
fifteen years and under received into any institution in accordance with
this article shall be at the discretion of the [commissioner] COMMITTEE
ON SPECIAL EDUCATION OR PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION OF THE
SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE STUDENT AND THE
TRUSTEES OF THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION.
§ 15. Section 4213 of the education law, as added by chapter 496 of
the laws of 1986, is amended to read as follows:
§ 4213. Other persons eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT. In
accordance with the provisions of the charter of the New York Institute
for Special Education, and amendments thereto, as issued by the board of
regents, children with [handicapping conditions] DISABILITIES, other
than [handicapping conditions] DISABILITIES which would establish eligi-
bility for [appointment] ENROLLMENT to the schools enumerated in this
article, shall be eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT to the New York
Institute for Special Education as [state] pupils. The provisions of
this article shall apply but not necessarily be limited to the [appoint-
ment] ENROLLMENT, education, maintenance and support of such pupils.
Such pupils eligible for [appointment] ENROLLMENT, pursuant to this
section, shall be persons over five and under twenty-one years of age
who have not received a high school diploma.
§ 16. Paragraph d of subdivision 2 of section 4401 of the education
law, as amended by chapter 53 of the laws of 1990, is amended to read as
follows:
d. Appointment by the commissioner to a state school in accordance
with article eighty-seven or eighty-eight of this chapter or ENROLLMENT
IN a state-supported school in accordance with article eighty-five of
this chapter.
§ 17. Subparagraph 2 of paragraph b of subdivision 1 of section 4402
of the education law, as amended by chapter 82 of the laws of 1995, is
amended to read as follows:
(2) Such committees or subcommittees shall identify, review and evalu-
ate at least annually, the status of each child with a [handicapping
condition] DISABILITY and each child thought to [be handicapped] HAVE A
DISABILITY who resides within the school district. Such review shall
consider the educational progress and achievement of the child with a
A. 7290 10
[handicapping condition] DISABILITY and the child's ability to partic-
ipate in instructional programs in regular education.
§ 18. Subparagraph 2 of paragraph b of subdivision 2 of section 4402
of the education law, as amended by chapter 391 of the laws of 1989, is
amended to read as follows:
(2) The board shall select the most reasonable and appropriate special
service or program for such children from those programs specified in
paragraphs a, b, c, PARAGRAPH D WITH RESPECT TO STATE SUPPORTED SCHOOLS,
AND PARAGRAPHS e, f, g, h, i, k, l and m of subdivision two of section
forty-four hundred one of this article upon receipt of the recommenda-
tion of the committee on special education. All contracts with schools
pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs d, e, f, g, h, l and m of
subdivision two of section forty-four hundred one of this article shall
be subject to the approval of the commissioner. All contracts under
paragraph c of subdivision two of section forty-four hundred one OF THIS
ARTICLE shall be made in accordance with the provisions of subdivision
four of section nineteen hundred fifty of this chapter. No child shall
be placed in a residential school nor shall a board recommend placement
in a residential facility specified in paragraph j of subdivision two of
section forty-four hundred one OF THIS ARTICLE unless there is no appro-
priate nonresidential school available consistent with the needs of the
child. The board shall provide written notice of its determination to
the parent or legal guardian of such child. If the determination of the
board of education is not consistent with the recommendations of the
committee on special education, such notice shall include the statement
of the reasons for such determination which shall identify the factors
considered by the committee on special education in its evaluation.
§ 19. Clause (h) of subparagraph 3 of paragraph b of subdivision 1 of
section 4402 of the education law is REPEALED.
§ 20. Subdivision 8 of section 4403 of the education law, as amended
by chapter 273 of the laws of 1986, is amended to read as follows:
8. To develop and distribute a handbook for parents of [handicapped]
children WITH DISABILITIES and the members of committees and subcommit-
tees on special education, which handbook shall explain, in layman
terms, the financial and educational obligations of the state, the coun-
ty or city, the home school district, the committee on special educa-
tion, and the parent or legal guardian of a [handicapped] child WITH A
DISABILITY, the special services or programs available pursuant to this
article, and the legal procedures available to an aggrieved parent or
legal guardian of a [handicapped] child WITH A DISABILITY.
§ 21. Subdivision 16 of section 4403 of the education law, as amended
by section 4 of part E of chapter 501 of the laws of 2012, is amended to
read as follows:
16. Commencing with the nineteen hundred eighty-seven--eighty-eight
school year, to provide for instruction during the months of July and
August of students with [handicapping conditions] DISABILITIES who have
received state appointments pursuant to article [eighty-five,] eighty-
seven or eighty-eight of this chapter, and whose [handicapping condi-
tions, in the judgment of the commissioner,] DISABILITIES are severe
enough to exhibit the need for a structured learning environment of
twelve months duration to maintain developmental levels, by making such
appointments for twelve months; provided that the initial term of
appointment of a student with a [handicapping condition] DISABILITY who
is the minimum age eligible for such a state appointment shall not
commence during the months of July or August.
A. 7290 11
§ 22. Clauses (a) and (b) of subparagraph 1 of paragraph b of subdivi-
sion 1 of section 4402 of the education law, clause (a) as amended by
chapter 311 of the laws of 1999, subclause (viii) of clause (a) as
amended by chapter 194 of the laws of 2004, clause (b) as amended by
section 1 of chapter 276 of the laws of 2012 and the closing paragraph
of clause (b) as amended by chapter 378 of the laws of 2007, are amended
to read as follows:
(a) Such committees shall be composed of at least the following
members: (i) the parents or persons in parental relationship to the
student; (ii) one regular education teacher of the student whenever the
student is or may be participating in the regular education environment;
(iii) one special education teacher of the student, or, if appropriate,
a special education provider of the student; (iv) a school psychologist
WHENEVER A NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION IS REVIEWED OR A CHANGE TO A
MORE RESTRICTIVE PROGRAM OPTION, AS DEFINED IN REGULATIONS OF THE
COMMISSIONER, IS CONSIDERED; (v) a representative of such school
district who is qualified to provide or administer or supervise special
education and is knowledgeable about the general curriculum and the
availability of resources of the school district; (vi) an individual who
can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results;
(vii) [a school physician; (viii)] an additional parent, residing in the
school district or a neighboring school district, of a student with a
disability, of a student who has been declassified and is no longer
eligible for an individualized education program (IEP), or a parent of a
disabled child who has graduated, for a period of five years beyond the
student's declassification or graduation, provided such parent shall not
be employed by or under contract with the school district, and provided
further that such additional parent shall not be a required member [if]
UNLESS the parents, THE STUDENT OR A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL
EDUCATION request that such additional parent member [not] participate
IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAUSE (B) OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH; [(ix)] (VIII) such
other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding the
student as the school district or the parents or persons in parental
relationship to the student shall designate, to the extent required
under federal law; and [(x)] (IX) if appropriate, the student.
(b) In determining the composition of such committee pursuant to
clause (a) of this subparagraph, a school district may determine that a
member appointed pursuant to one of subclause (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or
[(ix)] (VIII) of clause (a) of this subparagraph also fulfills the
requirement of subclause (vi) of clause (a) of this subparagraph of a
member who is an individual who can interpret the instructional impli-
cations of evaluation results where such individuals are determined by
the school district to have the knowledge and expertise to do so and/or
that a member appointed pursuant to subclause (iii) or (iv) of clause
(a) of this subparagraph also fulfills the requirement of subclause (v)
of clause (a) of this subparagraph of a member who is a representative
of the school district. The regular education teacher of the student
shall participate in the development, review and revision of the indi-
vidualized education program for the student, to the extent required
under federal law. [The school physician need not be in attendance at
any meeting of the committee on special education unless specifically
requested in writing, at least seventy-two hours prior to such meeting
by the parents or other person in parental relation to the student in
question, the student, or a member of the committee on special educa-
tion. The parents or persons in parental relation of the student in
question shall receive proper written notice of their right to have the
A. 7290 12
school physician attend the meetings of the committee on special educa-
tion upon referral of said student to the committee on special education
or whenever such committee plans to modify or change the identification,
evaluation or educational placement of the student.] The additional
parent need not be in attendance at any meeting of the committee on
special education unless specifically requested in writing, at least
seventy-two hours prior to such meeting by the parents or other person
in parental relation to the student in question, the student, or a
member of the committee on special education. The parents or persons in
parental relation of the student in question shall receive proper writ-
ten notice of their right to have an additional parent attend any meet-
ing of the committee regarding the student along with a statement,
prepared by the department, explaining the role of having the additional
parent attend the meeting. The committee shall invite the appropriate
professionals most familiar with a student's disability or disabilities
to attend any meeting concerning the educational program for such
student. Except as otherwise provided in this clause or clause (b-1) or
(b-2) of this subparagraph, all members of such committee shall attend
meetings of the committee on special education.
Members of such committee shall serve at the pleasure of such board
and members who are neither employees of nor under contract with such
district shall serve without compensation except that such members shall
be entitled to a per diem to defray expenses incurred in such service,
provided, however, that any expense incurred shall be deemed an aidable
operating expense for purposes of state aid.
§ 23. Clause (b) of subparagraph 1 of paragraph b of subdivision 1 of
section 4402 of the education law, as amended by section 2 of chapter
276 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as follows:
(b) In determining the composition of such committee pursuant to
clause (a) of this subparagraph, a school district may determine that a
member appointed pursuant to one of subclause (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or
[(ix)] (VIII) of clause (a) of this subparagraph also fulfills the
requirement of subclause (vi) of clause (a) of this subparagraph of a
member who is an individual who can interpret the instructional impli-
cations of evaluation results where such individuals are determined by
the school district to have the knowledge and expertise to do so and/or
that a member appointed pursuant to subclause (iii) or (iv) of clause
(a) of this subparagraph also fulfills the requirement of subclause (v)
of clause (a) of this subparagraph of a member who is a representative
of the school district. The regular education teacher of the student
shall participate in the development, review and revision of the indi-
vidualized education program for the student, to the extent required
under federal law. [The school physician need not be in attendance at
any meeting of the committee on special education unless specifically
requested in writing, at least seventy-two hours prior to such meeting
by the parents or other person in parental relationship to the student
in question, the student, or a member of the committee on special educa-
tion. The parents or persons in parental relationship of the student in
question shall receive proper written notice of their right to have the
school physician attend the meetings of the committee on special educa-
tion upon referral of said student to the committee on special education
or whenever such committee plans to modify or change the identification,
evaluation or educational placement of the student.] The additional
parent need not be in attendance at any meeting of the committee on
special education unless specifically requested in writing, at least
seventy-two hours prior to such meeting by the parents or other person
A. 7290 13
in parental relation to the student in question, the student, or a
member of the committee on special education. The parents or persons in
parental relation of the student in question shall receive proper writ-
ten notice of their right to have an additional parent attend any meet-
ing of the committee regarding the student along with a statement,
prepared by the department, explaining the role of having the additional
parent attend the meeting. The committee shall invite the appropriate
professionals most familiar with a student's disability or disabilities
to attend any meeting concerning the educational program for such
student. Members of such committee shall serve at the pleasure of such
board and members who are neither employees of nor under contract with
such district shall serve without compensation except that such members
shall be entitled to a per diem to defray expenses incurred in such
service, provided, however, that any expense incurred shall be deemed an
aidable operating expense for purposes of state aid.
§ 24. Paragraph d of subdivision 4 of section 4402 of the education
law, as amended by chapter 646 of the laws of 1992, is amended to read
as follows:
d. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, such board shall
provide suitable transportation up to a distance of fifty miles to and
from a nonpublic school which a [child] STUDENT with a [handicapping
condition] DISABILITY attends if such [child] STUDENT has been so iden-
tified by the local committee on special education and such [child]
STUDENT attends such school for the purpose of receiving services or
programs FROM SUCH NONPUBLIC SCHOOL THAT ARE similar to special [educa-
tional programs] EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES recommended for such
[child] STUDENT by the local committee on special education. NOTWITH-
STANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY, A NONPUBLIC STUDENT
RECEIVING TRANSPORTATION PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT BE ENTI-
TLED TO SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF LOCATION PURSUANT TO SECTION THIRTY-SIX HUNDRED TWO-C OF THIS CHAP-
TER. AS A CONDITION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SUCH TRANSPORTATION, THE PARENT
OR PERSON IN PARENTAL RELATION TO THE STUDENT SHALL CONSENT TO THE
PROVISION OF NOTICE BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE TO THE CHAIR-
PERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN
WHICH THE NONPUBLIC SCHOOL IS LOCATED IDENTIFYING SUCH STUDENT, BY NAME,
ADDRESS AND SCHOOL OF ATTENDANCE, AS A STUDENT RECEIVING TRANSPORTATION
PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RESIDENCE SHALL
PROVIDE SUCH NOTICE NO LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER COMMENCING SUCH
TRANSPORTATION.
§ 25. Paragraph a of subdivision 1 of section 4404 of the education
law, as amended by chapter 430 of the laws of 2006, is amended to read
as follows:
a. If the parent or person in parental relation of a student, the
board of education or trustees of a school district or a state agency
responsible for providing education to students with disabilities
presents a complaint with respect to any matter relating to the iden-
tification, evaluation or educational placement of the student or the
provision of a free appropriate public education to the student or a
manifestation determination or other matter relating to placement upon
discipline of a student with a disability that may be the subject of an
impartial hearing pursuant to subsection (k) of section fourteen hundred
fifteen of title twenty of the United States code and the implementing
federal regulations, and the party presenting the complaint or their
attorney provides a due process complaint notice in accordance with
federal law and regulations and such complaint sets forth an alleged
A. 7290 14
violation that occurred not more than [two years] ONE YEAR before the
date the parent or public agency knew or should have known about the
alleged action that forms the basis for the complaint, OR IN THE CASE OF
A COMPLAINT SEEKING TUITION REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE UNILATERAL PARENTAL
PLACEMENT OF A STUDENT IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL, SUCH TUITION CLAIM IS
PRESENTED NOT MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS FROM THE PLACEMENT BY
THE PARENT OR PERSON IN PARENTAL RELATION IN THE PRIVATE SCHOOL,
PROVIDED THAT THE STUDENT SHALL BE DEEMED PLACED FOR SUCH PURPOSE ON THE
FIRST DAY THE STUDENT IS ENROLLED IN AND IS LIABLE FOR TUITION IN THE
PRIVATE SCHOOL, the board or agency shall appoint an impartial hearing
officer to review the due process complaint notice when challenged and,
if the matter is not resolved in a resolution session that has been
convened as required by federal law, to preside over an impartial due
process hearing and make a determination within such period of time as
the commissioner by regulation shall determine, provided that the board
of education or trustees shall offer the parent or person in parental
relation the option of mediation pursuant to section forty-four hundred
four-a of this article as an alternative to an impartial hearing. Where
the parent or person in parental relation or a school district or public
agency presents a complaint, the school district or public agency
responsible for appointing the impartial hearing officer shall provide
the parent or person in parental relation with a procedural safeguards
notice as required pursuant to subsection (d) of section fourteen
hundred fifteen of title twenty of the United States code and the imple-
menting federal regulations. Notwithstanding any provision of this
subdivision to the contrary, the time limitation on presenting a
complaint shall not apply to a parent or person in parental relation to
the student if the parent or person in parental relation was prevented
from requesting the impartial hearing due to specific misrepresentations
by the school district or other public agency that it had resolved the
problem forming the basis of the complaint or due to the school
district's or other public agency's withholding of information from the
parent or person in parental relation that was required under federal
law to be provided. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to
authorize the board of education or trustees to bring an impartial hear-
ing to override the refusal of a parent or person in parental relation
to consent where a local educational agency is prohibited by federal law
from initiating such a hearing.
§ 26. Paragraph b of subdivision 4 of section 4410 of the education
law, as added by chapter 243 of the laws of 1989, is amended to read as
follows:
b. Each board shall, within time limits established by the commission-
er, be responsible for providing the parent of a preschool child
suspected of having a [handicapping condition] DISABILITY with a list of
approved evaluators in the geographic area. The [parent may select the
evaluator from such list] SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL, AFTER PROVIDING THE
PARENT WITH A LIST OF APPROVED PRESCHOOL EVALUATORS AND OBTAINING PARENT
CONSENT TO EVALUATE, ARRANGE FOR AN EVALUATION BY THE SERVICE PROVIDER
SELECTED BY THE DISTRICT WHO CAN PROVIDE THE EVALUATION OF THE STUDENT
WITHIN THE TIMELINE REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT. IN SELECTING THE EVALU-
ATOR, THE DISTRICT SHALL CONSIDER THE PARENT'S EXPRESSED PREFERENCE, IF
ANY, FOR THE EVALUATOR. Each board shall provide for dissemination of
the list and other information to parents at appropriate sites including
but not limited to pre-kindergarten, day care, head start programs and
early childhood direction centers, pursuant to regulations of the
commissioner.
A. 7290 15
§ 27. Subparagraph (iv) of paragraph b of subdivision 5 of section
4410 of the education law, as added by chapter 630 of the laws of 2008,
is amended to read as follows:
(iv) The members of the committee [or subcommittee] may compile a list
of appropriate and/or helpful services that may be available outside of
the school setting to provide the parents or person in parental relation
of a child with a disability with such information. Such list shall
clearly state that these services are in addition to services supplied
by the school district and will not be paid for by the school district.
Any member of a committee or his or her respective school district who,
acting reasonably and in good faith, provides such information shall not
be liable for such action.
§ 28. Paragraph c of subdivision 1 of section 4410-b of the education
law, as added by chapter 6 of the laws of 2000, is amended to read as
follows:
c. "IEP team" means a committee on special education[, a subcommittee
on special education,] OR a committee on preschool special education [or
a subcommittee on preschool special education].
§ 29. Paragraphs a and c of subdivision 5 of section 3604 of the
education law, paragraph a as amended by chapter 161 of the laws of 2005
and paragraph c as added by chapter 82 of the laws of 1995, are amended
to read as follows:
a. State aid adjustments. All errors or omissions in the apportionment
shall be corrected by the commissioner. Whenever a school district has
been apportioned less money than that to which it is entitled, the
commissioner may allot to such district the balance to which it is enti-
tled. Whenever a school district has been apportioned more money than
that to which it is entitled, the commissioner may, by an order, direct
such moneys to be paid back to the state to be credited to the general
fund local assistance account for state aid to the schools, or may
deduct such amount from the next apportionment to be made to said
district, provided, however, that, upon notification of excess payments
of aid for which a recovery must be made by the state through deduction
of future aid payments, a school district may request that such excess
payments be recovered by deducting such excess payments from the
payments due to such school district and payable in the month of June in
(i) the school year in which such notification was received and [(ii)
the two succeeding school years, provided further that there shall be no
interest penalty assessed against such district or collected by the
state. Such request shall be made to the commissioner in such form as
the commissioner shall prescribe, and shall be based on documentation
that the total amount to be recovered is in excess of one percent of the
district's total general fund expenditures for the preceding school
year. The amount to be deducted in the first year shall be the greater
of (i) the sum of the amount of such excess payments that is recognized
as a liability due to other governments by the district for the preced-
ing school year and the positive remainder of the district's unreserved
fund balance at the close of the preceding school year less the product
of the district's total general fund expenditures for the preceding
school year multiplied by five percent, or (ii) one-third of such excess
payments. The amount to be recovered in the second year shall equal the
lesser of the remaining amount of such excess payments to be recovered
or one-third of such excess payments, and the remaining amount of such
excess payments shall be recovered in the third year] (II) IN UP TO TEN
SUCCEEDING SCHOOL YEARS, AS DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER IN REGU-
LATIONS, WHEREIN THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ESTABLISH ANY ELIGIBLE REQUIRE-
A. 7290 16
MENTS AND/OR PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR SUCH MULTI-YEAR RECOVERY. Provided
further that, notwithstanding any other provisions of this subdivision,
any pending payment of moneys due to such district as a prior year
adjustment payable pursuant to paragraph c of this subdivision for aid
claims that had been previously paid as current year aid payments in
excess of the amount to which the district is entitled and for which
recovery of excess payments is to be made pursuant to this paragraph,
shall be reduced at the time of actual payment by any remaining unre-
covered balance of such excess payments, and the remaining scheduled
deductions of such excess payments pursuant to this paragraph shall be
reduced by the commissioner to reflect the amount so recovered. The
commissioner shall certify no payment to a school district based on a
claim submitted later than three years after the close of the school
year in which such payment was first to be made. For claims for which
payment is first to be made in the nineteen hundred ninety-six--ninety-
seven school year, the commissioner shall certify no payment to a school
district based on a claim submitted later than two years after the close
of such school year. For claims for which payment is first to be made in
the nineteen hundred ninety-seven--ninety-eight school year and there-
after, the commissioner shall certify no payment to a school district
based on a claim submitted later than one year after the close of such
school year. Provided, however, no payments shall be barred or reduced
where such payment is required as a result of a final audit of the
state. It is further provided that, until June thirtieth, nineteen
hundred ninety-six, the commissioner may grant a waiver from the
provisions of this section for any school district if it is in the best
educational interests of the district pursuant to guidelines developed
by the commissioner and approved by the director of the budget.
c. Payment of moneys due for prior years. State aid payments due for
prior years in accordance with the provisions of this subdivision shall
be paid EITHER: (1) FROM FUNDS AVAILABLE IN THE GENERAL SUPPORT FOR
PUBLIC SCHOOL APPROPRIATION AS A RESULT OF THE DEDUCTION OF EXCESS
PAYMENTS OF AID PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH A OF THIS SUBDIVISION, OR (2)
within the limit of the appropriation designated therefor provided,
however, that each eligible claim shall be payable in the order that it
has been approved for payment by the commissioner, but in no case shall
a single claim draw down more than forty percent of the appropriation so
designated for a single year, and provided further that no claim shall
be set aside for insufficiency of funds to make a complete payment, but
shall be eligible for a partial payment in one year and shall retain its
priority date status for appropriations designated for such purposes in
future years.
§ 30. Subparagraph 1 of paragraph b of subdivision 6-f of section 3602
of the education law, as added by section 19 of part H of chapter 83 of
the laws of 2002, is amended to read as follows:
(1) has a total project cost of [one hundred] TWO HUNDRED FIFTY thou-
sand dollars or less; provided however, that for any district, no more
than one project shall be eligible pursuant to this subparagraph for an
apportionment within the same school year; and/or
§ 31. Subdivision 2 of section 3625 of the education law, as amended
by chapter 474 of the laws of 1996, is amended to read as follows:
2. A. Filing of transportation contracts. Every transportation
contract shall be filed with the department within one hundred twenty
days of the commencement of service under such contract, SUBJECT TO THE
PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH B OF THIS SUBDIVISION. No transportation expense
shall be allowed for a period greater than one hundred twenty days prior
A. 7290 17
to the filing of any contract for the transportation of pupils with the
education department. No contract shall be considered filed unless it
bears an original signature of the superintendent of a school district
or the designee of the superintendent and the sole trustee or president
of the board of education of the school district. The final approval of
any such contract by the commissioner shall not, however, obligate the
state to allow transportation expense in an amount greater than the
amount that would be allowed under the provisions of this part. The
state, acting through the department of audit and control, may examine
any and all accounts of the contractor in connection with a contract for
the transportation of pupils, and every such contract shall contain the
following provision: "The contractor hereby consents to an audit of any
and all financial records relating to this contract by the department of
audit and control."
B. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH A OF THIS SUBDIVISION,
THE COMMISSIONER MAY CONSIDER EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO POSSESSION OF A SIGNED AND DATED RETURN RECEIPT FROM THE
DEPARTMENT INDICATING THAT SUCH TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT WAS TIMELY
FILED, OR EVIDENCE OF A FIRE OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTER OR CATASTROPHIC
EVENT THAT DISRUPTED OPERATIONS OR DESTROYED FILES PRIOR TO THE
COMMENCEMENT OF THE CONTRACT OR DURING THE CONTRACT PERIOD, OR ANY OTHER
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCE DEFINED BY THE COMMISSIONER IN REGULATIONS
WHICH RESULTED IN A CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS NOT BEING FILED WITHIN THE ONE
HUNDRED TWENTY DAY FILING PERIOD AND MAY, IN HIS OR HER DISCRETION,
EXTEND THE PERIOD FOR FILING OF SUCH CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS.
§ 32. The opening paragraph of subdivision 1 of section 403-b of the
education law, as amended by chapter 700 of the laws of 1992, is amended
to read as follows:
The board of education of any union free or central school district is
hereby authorized to enter into a lease with any other union free or
central school district providing for the use and occupancy by any such
school district of a school building, or a portion thereof, owned by
such other school district, provided such lessee school district is
within a reasonable distance, as determined by the commissioner, from
the lessor school district, subject to the conditions set forth in this
subdivision. The board of education of any union free or central school
district is hereby authorized to enter into a lease with any person,
partnership or corporation for use and occupancy of a building or facil-
ity, or a portion thereof, owned by such person, partnership, or corpo-
ration for use as a school facility provided that such building or
facility is located within the school district and subject to the condi-
tions set forth in this subdivision; PROVIDED HOWEVER THAT A BOARD OF
EDUCATION OF ANY UNION FREE OR CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY BE AUTHORIZED
TO ENTER INTO A LEASE WITH ANY PERSON, PARTNERSHIP OR CORPORATION FOR
USE AND OCCUPANCY OF A BUILDING OR FACILITY, OR A PORTION THEREOF, OWNED
BY SUCH PERSON, PARTNERSHIP, OR CORPORATION FOR USE AS A SCHOOL FACILITY
WHEN SUCH BUILDING OR FACILITY IS LOCATED OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
WHEN IT IS DEMONSTRATED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE COMMISSIONER THAT
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES EXIST WHICH NECESSITATE A LEASE OUTSIDE THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
§ 33. Subdivision 7 of section 1709 of the education law, as added by
chapter 130 of the laws of 1976, is amended to read as follows:
7. To lease, on a temporary basis, necessary space not located on
school property AND/OR IS NOT LOCATED WITHIN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, when
the facilities of the district are overcrowded or damaged or destroyed
OR WHEN IT IS DEMONSTRATED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE COMMISSIONER THAT
A. 7290 18
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES EXIST WHICH NECESSITATE A LEASE OUTSIDE THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, and to furnish and equip such space
for school district use. The use of such space shall be subject to annu-
al approval by the commissioner.
§ 34. All the acts done and proceedings heretofore had or taken or
caused to be had or taken by any school district and by all its officers
or agents relating to or in connection with final cost reports to be
filed with the state education department for each project for which a
certificate of substantial completion was and/or is issued on or after
April 1, 1995, where a final cost report was not submitted by June 30th
of the school year in which the certificate of substantial completion of
the project was issued by the architect or engineer, or six months after
issuance of such certificate, whichever was later, and all acts inci-
dental thereto are hereby legalized, validated, ratified and confirmed,
notwithstanding any failure to comply with such approval and filing
provisions of the education law, and provided further that any amount
due and payable to any such school district for school years prior to
the 2019-2020 school year as a result of this act shall be paid pursuant
to the provisions of paragraph c of subdivision 5 of section 3604 of the
education law.
§ 35. The education department is hereby directed to consider the
approved costs of the aforementioned projects as valid and proper obli-
gations of such school districts provided that:
(a) such school districts submit an application to the commissioner of
education for forgiveness for each project that meets the requirements
of this act on a form prescribed by the commissioner of education;
(b) such school districts submit the late or missing final cost report
to the commissioner of education; and
(c) such application must be approved by the commissioner of educa-
tion.
§ 36. This act shall take effect July 1, 2019, provided that if this
act shall become a law after such date, it shall take effect immediately
and shall be deemed to have been in full force and effect on and after
July 1, 2019 and provided further, nothing in section five of this act
shall be construed to require the retrofitting of school buses purchased
prior to the effective date of this act, and provided further that:
(a) the amendments to subdivision 2 of section 3602-c of the education
law made by section eight of this act shall not affect the expiration of
such subdivision and shall be deemed to expire therewith;
(b) the amendments to subparagraph 2 of paragraph b of subdivision 1
of section 4402 of the education law made by section seventeen of this
act shall take effect upon the expiration and reversion of such subpara-
graph pursuant to chapter 352 of the laws of 2005, as amended, takes
effect;
(c) the amendments to clause (b) of subparagraph 1 of paragraph b of
subdivision 1 of section 4402 of the education law made by section twen-
ty-two of this act shall be subject to the expiration and reversion of
such clause pursuant to chapter 378 of the laws of 2007, as amended,
when upon such date the provisions of section twenty-three of this act
shall take effect; and
(d) the amendments to paragraph a of subdivision 1 of section 4404 of
the education law made by section twenty-five of this act shall not
affect the expiration of such subdivision and shall be deemed to expire
therewith.