Requires school districts to consider using bus attendants and support when transporting special needs pupils

2 Co-sponsors

• Harvey Weisenberg
• Janele Hyer-Spencer

2 Multi-sponsors

• William Boyland
• Nettie Mayersohn

BILL NUMBER:A10508

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to including school bus attendants among services considered by committees on special education

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would require a school district's committee on special educa- tion and multidisciplinary team to consider the provision of a bus attendant for all eligible students whose management needs require addi- tional adult supervision and support while being transported by a school bus to, from, and between schools.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one amends Section 3635 of the education law by adding a new subdivision 8 which provides that a school district's committee on special education and multidisciplinary team must consider the provision of a school bus attendant for all eligible students whose management needs require additional adult supervision and support while being transported by a school bus to, from, and between schools. The committee on special education and multidisciplinary team must also indicate on the student's individualized education program or accommodation plan if the bus attendant must be provided on an individualized basis or whether the services of the attendant could be provided to the student with other students who require a bus attendant.

Section two amends subparagraph 3 of paragraph b of subdivision 1 of section 4402 of the education law by adding a new clause (m) which provides that a committee or subcommittee on special education estab- lished by the board of education or trustees of each school district shall consider the provision of a school bus attendant for all eligible students whose management needs require additional adult supervision and support while being transported by a school bus to, from, and between schools. Such committee or subcommittee must indicate on the student's individualized education program or accommodation plan if the bus attendant must be provided on an individualized basis or whether the services of the attendant could be provided to the student with other students who require a bus attendant.

Section three provides the effective date.

Justification

School bus drivers are responsible for the safety and welfare of the students they transport and must focus their attention on driving, not on the management needs of the students being transported. Some students with disabilities have behavioral, physical, and/or cognitive needs that require additional adult supervision and support while being transported to, from, and between schools. By requiring committees on special educa- tion and multidisciplinary teams to recommend appropriate services and support for students with special needs, this proposed legislation helps to ensure that all children on board school buses will travel safely.

Prior legislative history

A.4329 (2001-02) referred to education, A.5527-A (2003-04) referred to education, A.33 (2005) referred to education.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

Immediately.