Bill > A05390

This bill extends tuition-free course auditing benefits at state universities and community colleges to active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer ambulance workers, in addition to the existing provision for people over 60 years old. The bill allows these volunteer emergency workers to audit courses without tuition, examination, grading, or credit on a space-available basis, ensuring that their attendance does not prevent other qualified students from accessing courses. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the state university board of trustees to create regulations that would allow these volunteer emergency workers to potentially receive course credit for successfully completed audited courses, either while they are currently enrolled or if they later become enrolled as full-time or part-time students. The definitions of "active volunteer firefighters" and "active volunteer ambulance workers" are specifically referenced from the general municipal law, and the provisions do not impact state aid to community colleges. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5390