School Bus Safety Bill Unanimously Passes Senate

The New York State Senate passed a bill that would ban certain criminal offenders from working on school buses (S.6157A). The bill prohibits people who are convicted of offenses, such as sex and drug crimes, from being school bus monitors.

The bill also bans anyone convicted under Leandra’s Law from being a school bus driver for five years after conviction. Leandra’s Law makes it a felony to drive drunk with others in the car who are under 16 years old.

“This is another measure we can take to make sure our children are safer on their way to school and on their way home. Anyone who would jeopardize a child’s safety should not be on a school bus,” said Senator Jack M. Martins, who supported the bill.

Under current law, individuals convicted of certain offenses involving children, including sex offenders and those convicted of drug offenses, are disqualified for a certain period of time from being a school bus driver. This bill would hold school bus monitors, who regularly ride buses with children on board, to the same standards as school bus drivers.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

Senator Passes Bill Against Passing Stopped School Bus

The Senate also passed a bill that increases the penalties for passing a stopped school bus (S.3099A).  The legislation would impose a 60-day suspension of a driver’s license if convicted of passing a stopped school bus two or more times.

This legislation would make the penalties for passing a stopped school bus the same as penalties for drivers convicted of speeding in a construction zone two or more times.