S 3240 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to drivers of school buses using hands-free mobile telephones

This bill prohibits school bus drivers from using hands-free mobile telephones while operating a bus carrying students. It directly affects school bus drivers during student transport, with exceptions only for emergencies (like contacting emergency services) or when the bus is parked safely off the road. The law explicitly bans phone use during operation with students on board, except for emergency communications or specific official duties. The bill aims to reduce distractions for drivers transporting children, aligning with broader traffic safety goals.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 24, 2025 Last action Jun 5, 2026

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What changed between versions

S3240 → S3240A · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add specific exemptions for school bus drivers using communication devices like two-way radios or other technology approved by the Commissioner of Education. Additionally, the effective date of the law was delayed from 60 days to 120 days to allow state agencies time to update necessary rules and regulations.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly permit the use of designated communication devices (such as two-way radios) for school bus drivers, in addition to the existing exception for hands-free mobile telephones.

ELIGIBILITY

Added an exemption allowing school bus drivers to use devices designated for communication with dispatch or school districts, such as two-way radios, or any other device exempted by the Commissioner of Education.

REQUIREMENT

Authorized the Commissioner of Education to reevaluate exempted devices as new technologies emerge.

Authorized the State Education Department and the Department of Motor Vehicles to promulgate, amend, or repeal rules necessary for implementing the act before the new effective date.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the act from 60 days to 120 days after becoming law.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 5, 2026

Committee

COMMITTED TO RULES

upper

Jan 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 3240A

upper

Jan 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO TRANSPORTATION

upper

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

upper

Jun 13, 2025

Committee

COMMITTED TO RULES

upper

Jan 24, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor