This bill expands the list of criminal offenses that permanently disqualify school bus drivers in New York. It adds specific convictions under New York Penal Law sections involving crimes against children (such as sexual offenses, endangering welfare of a child, or assault) to the existing disqualification criteria. Drivers convicted of these offenses - whether committed in New York or out-of-state - will face permanent disqualification from operating school buses. The bill also specifies a five-year disqualification period for certain less severe offenses involving children. This directly affects school bus drivers with these criminal records, ensuring they cannot operate school buses under New York law.
This bill extends the maximum lease term for zero-emission school buses from 5 to 12 years, allowing school districts to secure long-term agreements without annual voter approval for these specific vehicles. It directly affects school districts purchasing or leasing zero-emission buses by permitting longer contracts (up to 12 years) compared to standard school buses (max 5 years). The key change adjusts budgeting rules so districts using 12-year leases for zero-emission buses must calculate related costs over the full lease period for funding purposes. The bill does not alter lease terms for conventional buses or require new voter approvals for standard bus leases.
Provides that all passengers of school buses must wear seat belts; exempts school bus attendants and others acting in a supervisory capacity from such requirement; requires that drivers announce "Everybody fasten your seat belts" before a school bus is placed in motion; empowers the commissioner of education to enforce such provisions; assigns a school bus attendant to each special needs student unable to comply with the seat belt requirement.
This bill (S 2268) prohibits bus, taxi, and livery vehicle drivers from using hands-free mobile phones while operating a moving vehicle. It allows exceptions for contacting emergency services (like police, fire, or hospitals), for dispatch purposes, or when the vehicle is parked properly (not for passenger drop-offs/pick-ups). The law specifically bans hands-free phone use during driving but permits it only in the defined emergency or operational scenarios. It directly affects professional drivers of these vehicle types operating on public roads.
This bill prohibits drivers of buses, taxis, and livery vehicles (like ride-share or limousine services) from using hands-free mobile phones while operating a moving vehicle. It directly affects commercial drivers of these specific vehicle types. Key exceptions include using phones for emergencies (contacting 911, hospitals, or emergency services), for dispatch purposes, or when the vehicle is parked off the road in a permitted location. The law does not apply to emergency vehicle operators or police/fire personnel on duty.
This bill requires all trains and train stations operated by public transit authorities in New York to have opioid antagonists (like naloxone) available for overdose emergencies. It directly affects public transit systems, mandating that they stock these medications and provide employee training on their use. Key provisions include amending the Railroad Law to add opioid antagonists to required first-aid kits on locomotives and updating public health and transit authority laws to require the availability of naloxone and staff training. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, with implementation plans due within 180 days for some authorities.
This bill (A 8703) clarifies how traffic violations caught by school bus stop-arm cameras are processed. It specifies that liability for drivers who pass a stopped school bus (with the stop arm extended) must be adjudicated by a Traffic Violations Bureau or local court where the violation occurred, or by a city's administrative tribunal if authorized by local law. The bill ensures these violations can be handled like standard traffic tickets, with remote adjudication permitted, and maintains the right for drivers to seek judicial review. It directly affects drivers who violate stop-arm laws and the local courts or tribunals handling those cases. The bill does not change the stop-arm law itself or camera installation requirements.
Ensures accountability of executives in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for service disruptions or delays that occur on the MTA's subway, bus, and commuter rail systems; provides the pay of all executives in the authority shall be frozen for each year in which there is an increase in service disruptions or delays on the MTA's subway, bus, and commuter rail systems until the MTA's service disruptions and delays return to their previous level or are reduced; provides for penalties and enforcement.
Bill A 7085 requires bus drivers to be given at least 10 minutes of rest every 4 hours worked to use a restroom. It applies to all bus drivers employed by public or private transit companies operating vehicles carrying 9+ passengers (excluding the driver). Transportation providers must schedule these breaks without deducting pay from drivers’ wages, though collective bargaining agreements may establish different rest periods. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill exempts the sale of zero-emission school buses, along with necessary parts and equipment, from New York's sales and use taxes. It directly affects school districts and bus purchasers by reducing the upfront cost of transitioning to zero-emission fleets. The key provision adds a new tax exemption to the tax law, defining eligibility based on the Education Law's definition of zero-emission school buses. The exemption takes effect during the first quarterly sales tax period starting at least 30 days after the bill becomes law.
