What's happening
This bill requires written notice to school districts 30 days before highway construction projects within 300 feet of school buildings, except in emergencies.
Why it matters
Improves school safety and preparedness. by giving school districts advance notice of nearby highway or sidewalk construction, allowing them time to adjust transportation routes, recess plans, or emergency procedures for student safety.
Requires clear communication between state/municipal agencies and schools. , helping prevent confusion or disruptions caused by unexpected construction activities close to educational facilities.
Defines “emergency” and “construction” in detail. , clarifying when the notice requirement applies and ensuring that urgent repairs can proceed without delay while still prioritizing safety during planned projects.
Supports community involvement and transparency. , giving school districts an opportunity to raise concerns or coordinate with construction managers about noise, air quality, or access issues that may affect students and staff.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Notify Schools of Nearby Construction
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred 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.
Notify Schools of Construction Nearby
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Michael DenDekker
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3678
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 25, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ADDABBO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the highway law, in relation to providing notice to school districts of certain construction projects
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 102 of the highway law is amended by adding a new subdivision 19 to read as follows:
19. a. Furnish written notice to a school district thirty days prior to the commencement of a construction project undertaken within a three hundred foot radius of any building of such school district. No written notice shall be required pursuant to this subdivision when the commencement of a construction project is in response to an emergency.
b. (i) The term "construction" as used in this subdivision means the erection, building, or substantial acquisition, alteration, reconstruction, improvement, extension or modification of a highway, sidewalk or appurtenance thereof.
(ii) The term "emergency" as used in this subdivision means a situation involving danger to life, safety or property which requires immediate action, is essential to efficient operation or the adequate provision of service by a municipality, school district or the state, and is a direct consequence of an accident or other unforeseen circumstance.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07325-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to providing notice to school districts of certain construction projects
Purpose
To require the written notification to a school district 30 days prior to the commencement of a construction project that may disrupt the traffic to and from a school.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Section 102 of the highway law is amended by adding a new subdivision 19 to require the written notice to a school district in regard to the construction of a building, alteration, or extension of a highway, sidewalk or appurtenance.
Justification
There have been complaints by school districts that roadways and sidewalks outside of school buildings have been dug to install gas lines or piping which has caused hazardous conditions for the students, teachers and staff to enter and exit the school buildings. In many cases, the school superintendent or principal were not informed of the planned construction. By requiring 30 days notice to the school district, the principal or other school staff in charge can plan accordingly to ensure safe access and exit from the school building. The 30 day notification requirement would not apply in the event of emergency situations.
Legislative history
2016: S. 7239 - Referred to Senate Transportation Committee.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.