S5234

The New York State Senate passed legislation treating college closures as disasters warranting state emergency assistance. Senate Print 5234, sponsored by Sen. May, amends the Executive Law to require state agencies to provide recovery support to communities affected by college shutdowns. The bill passed unanimously 57-0 on a roll call vote. Sen. May cited the recent closures of Wells College in Aurora and another Central New York institution, which served as major employers and provided critical community services including water treatment facilities, schools, and healthcare. She noted that Wells College housed about a quarter of the local volunteer fire department's membership, creating staffing concerns for emergency services. The measure takes effect immediately.