Bill > S06541

This bill prohibits charging any fee for taking a high school equivalency exam in New York State, effectively ensuring that individuals can obtain a high school equivalency diploma without financial barriers. The legislation makes several technical amendments to various state laws, consistently replacing references to "general" equivalency diploma with "high school" equivalency diploma across multiple sections of education, social services, correction, and civil service laws. These changes standardize terminology and ensure that individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma through various state programs and institutions (including state universities, city universities, and correctional facilities) will not be charged an exam fee. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes standard severability provisions to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect. By removing financial obstacles to obtaining a high school equivalency diploma, the bill aims to increase educational opportunities for individuals who have not completed traditional high school education.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6541