Provides that certain persons who are not residents of the state but who have resided in the state for a certain period of time and meet certain criteria shall be eligible for in-state tuition rates.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8049
SPONSOR: Forrest TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to tuition rates for
certain students who are not residents of the state but who have resided
in the state for a certain period of time
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill seeks to expand access to in-state tuition rates for certain
non-resident students who meet specific residency and educational crite-
ria in New York State, regardless of immigation status.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 355 of the education law to expand education
requirements to qualify for in-state tuition rates for students who are
not residents of the state but who have resided in the state for at
least one year.
Section 2 amends section 6301 of the education law regarding the defi-
nition of resident in the education law.
Section 3 sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Offering undocumented and immigrant students in-state tuition rates at
public colleges in New York State would have numerous benefits such as
promoting access to higher education, helping to alleviate financial
burdens, strengthening New York's states workforce and economy, and
fostering social integration and a sense of belonging. Current law
places onerous additional requirements on undocumented and immigrant
students to qualify for in-state tuition rates. Eliminating these unnec-
essary extra requirements would help alleviate financial burden on
undocumented and immigrant students and their families, allowing them to
better integrate into our state and pursue better futures. Many undocu-
mented and immigrant students face economic challenges and may struggle
to afford out-of-state tuition fees. By offering them in-state tuition
rates, institutions make education more affordable and enable these
students to pursue their academic aspirations without being hindered by
financial constraints.
Furthermore, offering in-state tuition rates to undocumented and immi-
grant students who are residing in New York can yield long-term economic
benefits. These students often bring valuable skills, talents, and
diversity to the local workforce. By supporting their education,
colleges and universities help cultivate a well-educated and diverse
talent pool that can contribute to economic growth and innovation in the
community. Undocumented and immigrant students who receive higher educa-
tion are more likely to secure stable employment and higher wages, lead-
ing to increased tax revenues and economic development in the long run.
Finally, providing affordable education through in-state tuition rates
would promote access to higher education and equal opportunities for all
students, increasing enrollment and creating a more inclusive and
diverse learning environment, where students from different backgrounds
can contribute their unique perspectives and experiences. This fosters
social integration and promotes a sense of belonging within the local
community.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: A.8403/S.9094 - referred to Higher Education
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately
