New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04828

Introduced
2/6/25  
Refer
2/6/25  

Caption

Improves the transportation of children with special needs to and from school; provides that bussing time shall not exceed one and one-half hours; provides a special needs liaison to work with each family with a child with special needs; makes related provisions.

Summary

Bill A04828 aims to amend the education law in New York to enhance transportation provisions for children with special needs. It mandates that school districts provide free transportation between home and school for these children, ensuring that the transportation time does not exceed one and a half hours. The bill also requires each school district to appoint a special needs liaison to assist families in meeting these transportation requirements. Additionally, it stipulates that transportation services must include tracking systems and cameras for safety and communication purposes.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly alter the existing transportation policies for children with special needs in New York. It will create a legal obligation for school districts to provide free transportation, thereby potentially increasing the operational costs for these districts. Furthermore, the introduction of special needs liaisons will necessitate additional staffing and training, impacting the administrative framework of the education system. The bill also aims to improve safety and accountability through the use of tracking systems and cameras on transportation vehicles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04828 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for special needs education and families affected by these policies. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for school districts, especially in terms of funding and resource allocation. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions indicates that the bill may still be under consideration and has not yet faced significant opposition or debate.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the financial burden this bill could impose on school districts, particularly in terms of hiring special needs liaisons and implementing tracking systems. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could lead to increased taxes or reallocation of funds from other educational programs. Conversely, advocates for children with special needs may argue that the benefits of improved transportation and safety far outweigh the costs.

Companion Bills

NY S07018

Same As Improves the transportation of children with special needs to and from school; provides that bussing time shall not exceed one and one-half hours; provides a special needs liaison to work with each family with a child with special needs; makes related provisions.

Previously Filed As

NY A03328

Improves the transportation of children with special needs to and from school; provides that bussing time shall not exceed one and one-half hours; provides a special needs liaison to work with each family with a child with special needs; makes related provisions.

NY S07018

Improves the transportation of children with special needs to and from school; provides that bussing time shall not exceed one and one-half hours; provides a special needs liaison to work with each family with a child with special needs; makes related provisions.

OR HB2682

Relating to services for young children with special needs.

TX HB174

Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.

TX SB2071

Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.

NJ S838

Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

NJ A1631

Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

NY S08842

Relates to due process rights for non-public school students with special needs.

NY A09385

Relates to due process rights for non-public school students with special needs.

NJ A402

Requires school buses that transport students with special needs to be equipped with certain safety features.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.