Relates to establishing a task force on safety in school transportation

Members appointed by the governor should include: one school district transportation coordinator, one representative of the School Administrators Association, one representative of the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association, one representative of New York State United Teachers, one representative of the New York State School Boards Association, one representative of the New York State Association of School Business Officials, one representative of the New York State School Bus Contractors Association, one representative of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, one representative of youth camps who is a member of the State Camp Advisory Council, three parents or guardians of students including at least one parent of a student receiving special education services, one public member who shall have knowledge and expertise in ensuring safety in school transportation; and one public member who shall be an expert on the safety equipment available in school transportation vehicles.

The task force will review existing state laws, regulations and programs that address school bus safety, and make recommendations for their improvement, examine the possibility of requiring a state department or office to conduct a biannual review of all aspects of school bus safety and to issue recommendations for additional action or oversight, develop a plan to phase in any school bus safety measures recommended by the task force through retrofitting prospective vehicle purchases. It will also identify best practices for the designation of school bus stops, strategies that support safe pedestrian behavior by students between their homes and their schools and safety protocols to be followed by school bus drivers and school bus aides. Finally, it will develop recommendations to curb illegal passing of school busses and determine if there is a need for additional public education programs that promote school bus safety.

All appointments to task force shall be made within thirty days of the law taking effect. Members shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The task force shall present a report of its findings and recommendations to the governor and to the legislature no later than twelve months after its organization and shall cease to exist upon submitting such report and recommendations.

Section 2 of the bill provides that the act shall take effect immediately.

Existing law

None

Justification

School transportation safety is an often overlooked issue that needs to be studied and improved. In January 2016, an elementary school principal was killed saving lives of her students as a school bus barreled towards them. Recently, a first grade student in New Jersey was killed after being struck by a school bus. These are just two examples. It is imperative to ensure students are safe when not under the supervision of their parents and guardians, as well as to protect bus drivers and school officials entrusted with their care.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None

Local fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.