Removes references to the electric school bus mandate; provides that there shall be no mandate requiring school districts to purchase, operate or maintain any certain type of school buses and that the superintendent of each school district shall have the sole authority to determine the types of school buses such school district will purchase, operate and maintain; repeals certain provisions of law relating to electric school buses.
Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.
This bill directs the state comptroller to provide loans to specific transportation accounts, including those for transit authorities, railroads, and public transportation systems. It also authorizes a transfer of up to $48.85 million from the general fund to the MTA financial assistance fund and mobility tax trust account by March 31, 2027. The legislation takes effect immediately but will automatically be repealed once the official 2026-2027 budget is enacted.
Establishes a public transportation expansion fund for the purpose of ensuring access to public transportation for publicly funded economic development projects.
Requires motor carriers that operate charter buses to have pre-trip safety briefings on the mandatory use of safety belts by passengers and fines for such violations.
Requires railroad corporations to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection when a freight train is parked in a train yard prior to traveling on tracks within the state including, but not be limited to, a review of tracks, safety equipment, including brakes, and train cars.
Exempts operators of law enforcement and fire department vessels from laws which regulate vessels on the navigable waters of the state while such operators are in the course of responding to emergencies.
Authorizes the election of qualified transportation fringe benefits; authorizes any employer to offer employees the opportunity to use pre-tax earnings for the purchase of qualified transportation fringe benefits.
Provides voting membership to existing non-voting rider representatives on the MTA Board, provides for enhanced representation of MTA riders with disabilities.
Senate Bill S 3071 establishes an 18-member task force focused on reviewing and promoting safety in school transportation. This task force will include education stakeholders, parents, teachers, administrators, and school bus personnel, along with state commissioners. Its duties involve studying current state laws, regulations, and programs related to school bus safety, pedestrian safety for students, and identifying best practices for bus stops and driver protocols. The task force is responsible for issuing a final report with recommendations to state leaders within 18 months, and the act itself will expire after 24 months.
