Provides that all passengers of school buses must wear seat belts; exempts school bus attendants and others acting in a supervisory capacity from such requirement; requires that drivers announce "Everybody fasten your seat belts" before a school bus is placed in motion; empowers the commissioner of education to enforce such provisions; assigns a school bus attendant to each special needs student unable to comply with the seat belt requirement.
Summary
Bill A07254 amends the vehicle and traffic law and education law to mandate the use of seat safety belts for all passengers on school buses in New York State. It specifies that drivers must ensure all passengers are restrained and requires them to announce the need to fasten seat belts before the bus is in motion. The bill also provides exemptions for school bus attendants and individuals in supervisory roles, while assigning a school bus attendant to assist special needs students who cannot use seat belts.
Impact
The passage of this bill will enhance safety regulations for school transportation by ensuring that all passengers on school buses are secured with seat belts, which may lead to a reduction in injuries during accidents. It will require school districts to comply with new safety standards and may necessitate additional training for bus drivers regarding the enforcement of these regulations. The bill also clarifies liability issues in personal injury cases involving school buses, providing immunity to school districts under certain conditions.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill A07254 appears to be supportive, as it aims to improve the safety of children during school transportation. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the seat belt requirement and the potential costs associated with retrofitting existing buses or ensuring compliance.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the balance between safety and practicality, particularly regarding the enforcement of seat belt use among young children and the implications for school districts in terms of liability and costs. Some stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of the proposed measures for special needs students and whether the bill adequately addresses their unique requirements.
Same As
Provides that all passengers of school buses must wear seat belts; exempts school bus attendants and others acting in a supervisory capacity from such requirement; requires that drivers announce "Everybody fasten your seat belts" before a school bus is placed in motion; empowers the commissioner of education to enforce such provisions; assigns a school bus attendant to each special needs student unable to comply with the seat belt requirement.
Provides that all passengers of school buses must wear seat belts; exempts school bus attendants and others acting in a supervisory capacity from such requirement; requires that drivers announce "Everybody fasten your seat belts" before a school bus is placed in motion; empowers the commissioner of education to enforce such provisions; assigns a school bus attendant to each special needs student unable to comply with the seat belt requirement.
Provides that all passengers of school buses must wear seat belts; exempts school bus attendants and others acting in a supervisory capacity from such requirement; requires that drivers announce "Everybody fasten your seat belts" before a school bus is placed in motion; empowers the commissioner of education to enforce such provisions; assigns a school bus attendant to each special needs student unable to comply with the seat belt requirement.
Payment rates established for certain substance use disorder treatment services, and vendor eligibility recodified for payments from the behavioral health fund.
Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.