SENATE PASSES BILL TO PROHIBIT REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS FROM OPERATING A SCHOOL BUS OR PASSENGER BUS

New York State Senate today passed legislation (S1519), sponsored by Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset), that would keep communities safer from sexual predators by prohibiting registered sex offenders from working as bus drivers.

“Registered sex offenders should not be operating a school bus or a passenger bus, plain and simple. Bus operators come in contact with vulnerable individuals every day.  To give a registered sex offender a license and access to potential victims is dangerous and makes zero sense. This legislation fixes the problem,” Senator Marcellino said. 

Under the provisions of the bill, the Department of Motor Vehicles is prohibited from issuing or renewing a commercial driver's license to operate a passenger or school bus to any individual who is required to register as a sex offender. 

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.