New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00259

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes the crimes of criminal trespass on a school bus, school grounds or children's camp; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles, in consultation with the commissioner of transportation, to promulgate rules and regulations for certain signage on school buses; relates to professional development school bus driver safety training seminars statewide.

Summary

Bill S00259 aims to enhance safety regulations surrounding school environments by establishing specific crimes related to trespassing on school grounds, children's camps, and school buses. It introduces new sections to the penal law defining criminal trespass in these contexts, categorizing violations as either class C felonies or class A misdemeanors depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of signage on school buses to inform individuals of entry restrictions and outlines the need for professional development training for school bus drivers, focusing on safety and incident management.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will amend the penal law to create new offenses specifically targeting trespassing on school property and buses, thereby strengthening legal protections for students and staff. It will also require the Department of Motor Vehicles to implement regulations regarding signage on school buses, which could lead to increased awareness of safety protocols among the public. Furthermore, the emphasis on professional development for bus drivers may improve overall safety during student transportation.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S00259 appears to be supportive, as it addresses critical safety concerns in educational settings. However, there may be some apprehension regarding the implications of stricter penalties and the potential for increased legal consequences for minor infractions. Discussions have highlighted the importance of balancing safety with reasonable enforcement measures.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the potential for over-criminalization of minor offenses related to school bus access and the adequacy of the training proposed for bus drivers. Some stakeholders argue that while safety is paramount, the bill should ensure that penalties are proportionate to the offenses, particularly for actions that may not pose a significant threat to safety. There is also debate over the effectiveness of signage and whether it will adequately inform the public of the new regulations.

Companion Bills

NY A06050

Same As Establishes the crimes of criminal trespass on a school bus, school grounds or children's camp; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles, in consultation with the commissioner of transportation, to promulgate rules and regulations for certain signage on school buses; relates to professional development school bus driver safety training seminars statewide.

Previously Filed As

NY A01698

Establishes the crimes of criminal trespass on a school bus, school grounds or children's camp; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles, in consultation with the commissioner of transportation, to promulgate rules and regulations for certain signage on school buses; relates to professional development school bus driver safety training seminars statewide.

NY A06050

Establishes the crimes of criminal trespass on a school bus, school grounds or children's camp; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles, in consultation with the commissioner of transportation, to promulgate rules and regulations for certain signage on school buses; relates to professional development school bus driver safety training seminars statewide.

NY A02316

Requires the commissioner of motor vehicles, in consultation with the commissioner of education, to promulgate rules and regulations to implement GPS and an emergency communications system on school buses.

NY A01389

Requires the commissioner of motor vehicles, in consultation with the commissioner of education, to promulgate rules and regulations to implement GPS and an emergency communications system on school buses.

CT HB05542

An Act Concerning Criminal And Simple Trespass On School Grounds Or In School Buildings.

NY A10114

Requires school buses to have windows made from bulletproof or ballistic glass; requires the commissioner of motor vehicles and the commissioner of transportation to establish minimum standards and requirements for bulletproof or ballistic glass used.

NJ A819

Criminalizes interference with monitoring devices on school buses.

MN HF4063

First aid kit requirements on school buses modified, USDOT numbers required for all school buses, and school buses authorized on public roads for training purposes.

NJ S70

Prohibits requiring students to wear face masks in schools and on school buses.

NJ A674

Prohibits requiring students to wear face masks in schools and on school buses.

Similar Bills

HI SB128

Relating To Trespass.

HI SB128

Relating To Trespass.

UT SB0055

Unauthorized Use of Real Property Amendments

UT HB0126

Unauthorized Use of Residential Real Property Modifications

IN SB0258

Enforcement of trespassing laws.

OR HB2045

Relating to trespassers; prescribing an effective date.

TN SB1749

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-11-611; Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 10 and Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 4, relative to trespass.

TN HB1662

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-11-611; Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 10 and Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 4, relative to trespass.