Bill > A04707

This bill amends the New York State education law to raise the mandatory full-time school attendance age from sixteen to eighteen years old. Specifically, the bill requires minors between six and eighteen years of age to attend full-time day instruction, with some exceptions. A key provision allows minors who are seventeen or older to participate in vocational or occupational education programs with the consent of the school district and their parent or guardian. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that individuals between eighteen and nineteen years old who are not attending full-time instruction must enroll in and participate in a General Educational Development (GED) course until they either reach nineteen years of age or pass the high school equivalency examination. This change aims to ensure that young people continue their education and have opportunities to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, potentially improving their future employment and educational prospects. The bill will take effect on the first of September following its enactment.