Civic Agendas NYC
Bills › Int 0853-2026
Int 0853-2026-A Bill Enacted (Mayor's Desk for Signature)

Requiring a study on how social and economic factors affect access to special education programs and services.

Where it stands: Passed the Council on Oct 22, 2026 and is waiting for the Mayor’s signature.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee hearing
  3. Committee vote
  4. Council vote
  5. Mayor (current step)
  6. Law

Official summary

This bill requires the Department of Education (DOE) to supplement existing special education reporting with analysis on how geographic location, home language, and household income affect students’ access to special education programs and services. DOE will also be required to report a description of programs or initiatives that serve to mitigate the impact, if any, of social and economic factors on access to special education services, and to report recommendations on how to address any identified barriers to access.

Timeline

  1. Thu, Apr 16, 2026
    Introduced in the Council
    Formally read into the record at a Stated Meeting.
    City Council: “Introduced by Council”
  2. Thu, Apr 16, 2026
    Sent to committee
    Assigned to a committee, which must hold a hearing before any vote.
    City Council: “Referred to Comm by Council” · meeting
  3. Wed, Jun 24, 2026
    Public hearing: Education
    Council members heard testimony from the public and city agencies.
    Committee on Education: “Hearing Held by Committee” · meeting
  4. Wed, Jun 24, 2026
    Public hearing: Technology
    Council members heard testimony from the public and city agencies.
    Committee on Technology: “Hearing Held by Committee” · meeting
  5. Wed, Jun 24, 2026
    Education postponed a decision
    No vote yet; the item can come back at a later meeting.
    Committee on Education: “Laid Over by Committee” · meeting
  6. Wed, Jun 24, 2026
    Technology postponed a decision
    No vote yet; the item can come back at a later meeting.
    Committee on Technology: “Laid Over by Committee” · meeting
  7. Thu, Oct 22, 2026
    Public hearing: Education
    Council members heard testimony from the public and city agencies.
    Committee on Education: “Hearing Held by Committee” · meeting
  8. Thu, Oct 22, 2026
    Changes proposed
    A revised version was introduced in committee.
    Committee on Education: “Amendment Proposed by Comm” · meeting
  9. Thu, Oct 22, 2026
    Text amended
    The committee adopted a new version (the letter after the bill number changes).
    Committee on Education: “Amended by Committee” · meeting
  10. Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · version A
    Committee vote: approved
    Committee on Education voted on it.
    Committee on Education: “Approved by Committee” · meeting · roll call
  11. Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · version A
    Full Council vote: passed
    All 51 members could vote at a Stated Meeting.
    City Council: “Approved by Council” · meeting · roll call
  12. Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · version A
    Sent to the Mayor
    The Mayor has 30 days to sign or veto.
    City Council: “Sent to Mayor by Council”

How members voted

City Council · Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · Pass
49 yes0 no0 abstain2 absent / excused
Committee on Education · Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · Pass
11 yes0 no0 abstain2 absent / excused