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S261Senate2015-2016 SessionSame asA6511

Provides for all school buses to be equipped with on-board video cameras; for policies and procedures relating to their use; and for financing their installation

Sponsor Ruben DiazSD-32+2 co-sponsorsAffects Education
Status
In Senate Committee
Education
Impact
Pending
Passage
Pending

Bill progress

Step 2 of 7

In committee · Education

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Who cares

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Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Ruben Diaz

Senator · Senate District 32

History

  1. Referred to education
  2. Referred to education

Companion bill

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law and the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing for the installation and use of video monitoring systems on school buses

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Amends the Education Law by adding a new section 3624-a. Provides that the Commissioner of Education (in consultation with the Department of Transportation) shall promulgate regulations requiring each school bus used to transport students to be equipped with a video monitoring system. Requires districts to establish policies on the use of such systems, linking them to the district's code of conduct and policies on discipline and vehicle operation. Provides for notification to students and drivers that videotaping may occur and for storage and review of such videotape by district staff.

Section 2. Amends the Education Law, section 3621 by adding a new subdivision 13-a. Defines "school bus video monitoring system."

Section 3. Amends the Education Law, section 3623-a(2)(c). Includes the purchase and installation of school bus video monitoring systems as a proper school district expense.

Section 4 Amends the Vehicle & Traffic Law, section 375 by adding a new subdivision 21-j. Authorizes the Commissioner of Transportation to adopt any necessary conforming regulations for the use of school bus video monitoring systems on school buses.

Section 5. Effective Date

Existing law

None

Justification

Due to the increasing number of incidents occurring on our school buses, including violent activities and actions that endanger passengers and drivers, there is a need to provide additional measures to permit behavior on buses to be monitored, evaluated and responded to on a timely basis. Video monitoring will greatly assist school districts in providing a clear understanding of conduct in such cases.

In June, 2012, a school bus monitor in the Town of Greece, NY was verbally abused and taunted by a group of middle school students. The episode was captured on a student's cell phone and made headline news. Once school officials became aware of what transpired, the police were contacted. The local school district implemented appropriate disciplinary action against the offenders.

Prior legislative history

2014: S.256 - Referred to Education/A.24 - Referred to Education 2013: S.256 - Referred to Education/A.24 - Referred to Education 2012: S.286 - Referred to Education/ A.1109 - Referred to Education 2011: S.286 - Defeated in Education/A.1109 - Referred to Education 2009-10: S.3151 - Referred to Education/A.8846 Referred to Education 2007-08: S.4069 - Referred to Education 2007-08: S.4157E - Passed Senate/A.3432E - Reported Referred to Ways and Means

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE :. The 120th day after becoming law, provided that the Commissioner of Education is authorized to promulgate implementing regulations on or before such a date.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.