New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01199

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Relates to providing transportation for children with a disability; removes the requirement that a child attends the school the district is providing transportation to for the purpose of receiving services or programs similar to special educational programs recommended for such child by the local committee on special education.

Summary

Bill S01199 amends the education law in New York to provide transportation for children with handicapping conditions. Specifically, it mandates that school boards offer suitable transportation for children with disabilities attending nonpublic schools, even if the purpose of their attendance is not solely for receiving special educational services. This change aims to enhance accessibility for children with disabilities, ensuring they can attend schools that may better meet their needs, regardless of the specific programs offered there.

Impact

The bill's passage would modify existing education laws regarding the transportation of children with disabilities. By removing the requirement that children must attend nonpublic schools solely for special educational services, it expands the scope of transportation services that school districts must provide. This could lead to increased enrollment in nonpublic schools for families seeking more tailored educational environments for their children with disabilities, thereby impacting local education budgets and transportation logistics.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S01199 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for children with disabilities and their families. There is recognition of the need for greater flexibility in educational options for these children. However, there may be concerns from some school districts regarding the potential financial implications of expanded transportation requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the financial burden that expanded transportation services may place on school districts, particularly those with limited budgets. Some lawmakers and education officials express concerns about the logistical challenges of providing transportation over longer distances, as well as the implications for public school enrollment. Advocates for children with disabilities argue that the benefits of increased access to appropriate educational settings outweigh these concerns.

Companion Bills

NY A00570

Same As Relates to providing transportation for children with a disability; removes the requirement that a child attends the school the district is providing transportation to for the purpose of receiving services or programs similar to special educational programs recommended for such child by the local committee on special education.

Previously Filed As

NY A00570

Relates to providing transportation for children with a disability; removes the requirement that a child attends the school the district is providing transportation to for the purpose of receiving services or programs similar to special educational programs recommended for such child by the local committee on special education.

NY S01558

Relates to providing transportation for children with handicapping conditions; removes the requirement that a child attends the school the district is providing transportation to for the purpose of receiving services or programs similar to special educational programs recommended for such child by the local committee on special education.

NY A03365

Relates to providing transportation for children with handicapping conditions; removes the requirement that a child attends the school the district is providing transportation to for the purpose of receiving services or programs similar to special educational programs recommended for such child by the local committee on special education.

NY S10158

Provides that transportation shall be provided to all children attending grades kindergarten through twelve who live within a fifteen mile radius of the school they legally attend; provides that such transportation may also be provided for such students to before-and/or-after-school child care locations.

NY A11266

Provides that transportation shall be provided to all children attending grades kindergarten through twelve who live within a fifteen mile radius of the school they legally attend; provides that such transportation may also be provided for such students to before-and/or-after-school child care locations.

NY SB678

Special ed. and related services; rights, etc., relating to education of children with disabilities.

NY S09418

Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education.

NY SB139

In pupils and attendance, providing for exception from compulsory education for certain children with disabilities.

NY A10908

Exempts school district providers of special services or programs for preschool students with disabilities from having to obtain program approval from the commissioner of education.

NY SB868

Relating to special education for children with a low incidence disability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.