Senate bill · S6138 (2025-26)

Enacts the New York city Caribbean steel pan educational music program act

New York State Senate

Same as A194, the matching bill in the Assembly.

Latest action Jun 5, 2026

Sponsor: Kevin S. Parker (State Senator, District 21, Democratic/Working Families)

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From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Oct 29, 2026. About our data

Summary

Enacts the "New York city Caribbean steel pan educational music program act"; requires community school boards in the city of New York to authorize, where reasonable, the use of school grounds in the summer months for use by any steel pan music organization to practice for the Labor Day Parade (West Indian Carnival).

Summary from NY Open Legislation. How we handle summaries

Amends the Education Law.

Purpose, from the sponsor's memo

To enact the "New York City Caribbean Steel Pan Educational Music Program" Act and allow students in NYC to learn how to play the Steel Drum as well as provide a safe space for. Steel bands to rehearse for summer performances.

Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)

Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

Introduced
In committee
Up for a vote
Passed one chamber
Passed
Enacted

Committee

Education · New York State Assembly

Also referred to Education · New York State Senate, New York City Education · New York State Senate.

Your position on this bill

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Cosponsors

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

Read on NY Senate

Democratic6
Republican3

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

The sponsor's argument

Why Kevin S. Parker says this is needed

This legislation allows for the use of school grounds for social, civic, and recreational meetings and entertainment. By specifically mentioning the inclusion of steel pan music organizations, it encourages community engagement and recreational activities centered around cultural music, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging among residents. By permitting steel pan music organizations to use school grounds during the summer months for practice sessions leading up to the -Labor Day Parade (West Indian Carnival), this legislation supports the organiza- tion and preparation for significant cultural events in the community. This demonstrates governmental support for the preservation and cele- bration of cultural traditions. For decades, the challenge of securing a suitable rehearsal space for steel bands has persisted. This bill aims to address this issue by ftirnishing these bands with essential storage facilities for their instruments and providing a secure environment for their members to practice. This legislation ensures equitable access to school facilities by allow- ing steel pan music organizations to utilize them when not in use for educational purposes. This promotes community involvement and maximizes the utilization of public resources for the benefit of residents. Overall, this legislation aligns with principles- of cultural preserva- tion, community engagement, and equitable access to public resources, contributing to the enrichment of educational experiences and the promotion of cultural diversity within New York City.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.

Recorded votes

Vote: Committee vote · New York City Education
Senate New York City EducationMay 19, 2026Result: passed
(7) (0) (0) (0)
Vote: Committee vote · New York City Education
Senate New York City EducationMay 27, 2025Result: passed
(6) (0) (0) (0)

Full history

Jun 5, 2026
In committee
COMMITTED TO RULES
NY Senate
May 21, 2026
Advanced to Third Reading
ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
NY Senate
May 20, 2026
2ND Report CAL.
2ND REPORT CAL.
NY Senate
May 19, 2026
1ST Report CAL.1171
1ST REPORT CAL.1171
NY Senate
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO EDUCATION
NY Assembly

Show full history (7 earlier events)

Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO NEW YORK CITY EDUCATION
NY Senate
Jun 13, 2025
In committee
COMMITTED TO RULES
NY Senate
May 29, 2025
Advanced to Third Reading
ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
NY Senate
May 28, 2025
2ND Report CAL.
2ND REPORT CAL.
NY Senate
May 27, 2025
1ST Report CAL.1306
1ST REPORT CAL.1306
NY Senate
Mar 5, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO NEW YORK CITY EDUCATION
NY Senate
Jan 8, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO EDUCATION
NY Assembly

Read the record

Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.