New York · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
S 8501: Allows school districts to opt out of observing any state-designated cultural or religious holiday
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
S 8501 is a bill introduced in the New York Senate on September 10, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Allows school districts to opt out of observing any state-designated cultural or religious holiday. Primary sponsor: Rob Ortt (Republican/Conservative/Independence). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (January 7, 2026): REFERRED TO EDUCATION.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Allows school districts to opt out of observing any state-designated cultural or religious holiday when less than ten percent of the school population observes such state-designated cultural or religious holiday.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican/Conservative 1 · Republican/Conservative/Independence 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Ortt | Primary sponsor | Republican/Conservative/Independence | Senate | 62 |
| Pam Helming | Co-sponsor | Republican/Conservative | Senate | 54 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- REFERRED TO EDUCATION
- REFERRED TO RULES