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History
- Referred to transportation
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 61–0
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.117
- Referred to transportation
- Returned to senate
- Died in assembly
- Referred to transportation
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 62–0
Show 6 earlier actions
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.515
- Print number 4488a
- Amend and recommit to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to signs on school buses
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor David Gantt
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4488A
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to signs on school buses
Purpose
To allow school bus signs, that are currently required to be illuminated, to be constructed with reflectorized TYPE III material.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 allows the required two "SCHOOL BUS" signs displayed on school buses to be constructed with the reflectorized TYPE III material. Additionally, this section states that the reflectorized signs do not need to be illuminated during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
Section 2 effective date.
Existing law
Current law mandates two signs shall be conspicuously displayed designating an omnibus as a school bus by the use of the words "SCHOOL BUS" and creates standards for the size and color of the text. Additionally, current law requires that these signs be illuminated one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
Justification
Advancements in technology has made the illuminated sign requirement on school buses obsolete. Existing technology for Type III photo reflectorized coatings and graphics similar to those used on traffic signs will allow for signs to be made economically, with industry-standard materials and offer advantages beyond the illuminated signs.
The current required illuminated signs are more expensive, both initially and to maintain. The lights require additional wiring and are no longer a standard item for manufacturers - New York is one of only two states (Maine) that require this feature. Additionally, these lights accumulate snow and ice and are often times found to be the source of water leaks and leading to structural corrosion. Both of these negative externalities can now be avoided with the use of reflectorized coatings and graphics.
This technology will also allows the text to conform to the curved shape of the bus design maintaining adequate visibility while slightly improving aerodynamics.
The incorporation of photo-reflective materials, for the "SCHOOL BUS" signs will enhance safety, while lowering purchasing and operating costs for school districts.
Legislative history
2009-2010 - S.8213 Third Reading Calendar
Fiscal implications
Estimated cost savings to school districts by reducing the costs of new buses and bus maintenance.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred and twentieth day after it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.