S6318A

The Senate passed S6318A, sponsored by Senator May, an act to amend the Education Law, on a roll call vote of 61-1. Senator Walczyk cast the sole vote in opposition. The bill, which takes effect immediately, advanced without floor debate. The measure was Calendar Number 436.

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring art and music education in schools, with a vote of 52-1 on Calendar Number 669, Senate Print 6318A. The bill, sponsored by Sen. May, would amend the Education Law to make arts and music instruction mandatory in school curricula. Supporters argued that arts education develops students as whole human beings and is often the first subject eliminated during budget cuts, despite being critical to student engagement and development. Sen. Cooney, a graduate of a performing arts high school, emphasized that all children deserve access to arts curriculum and that early exposure creates engaged citizens and future artists. Only Sen. Walczyk voted against the measure. The legislation represents a multiyear effort supported by arts and music educators across the state.

The New York State Senate passed S6318A, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey, an act to amend the Public Service Law. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 59-0. The measure will take effect 30 days after becoming law. No floor debate was recorded on the legislation.

The New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Hinchey to create the first statewide map of cellular service coverage and establish service standards across the state. The bill, S6318A, passed 62-0 on a roll call vote. The measure aims to address widespread gaps in cellphone service, particularly in rural areas, which sponsors characterized as both an economic development and public safety issue. Sen. Hinchey noted that poor coverage makes it impossible to complete phone calls in many parts of the state and poses dangers when emergencies occur on back roads. Sen. Stec emphasized the urgency of the problem, citing a two-year-old task force study whose recommendations remain unimplemented and noting that 70-75 percent of 911 calls now originate from cellular networks as landlines disappear. While acknowledging the bill is a study measure, senators stressed the need to move beyond data collection to actual infrastructure investment. The bill takes effect immediately.