BILL NUMBER: S6423
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to transportation
services for certain school districts
 
PURPOSE:
To authorize the city school districts of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse
and Yonkers to provide transportation and receive transportation aid for
pupils residing one half mile or more from school in instances where the
Commissioner of the State Education Department deems there are safety
concerns.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one authorizes the city school districts of Buffalo, Rochester,
Syracuse and Yonkers to provide transportation and receive transporta-
tion aid for pupils residing a half mile or more from school in
instances where the Commissioner of the State Education Department deems
there are safety concerns. Districts are required to submit a report to
the State upon the completion of the initial three years of the program
including a cost benefit analysis and an analysis of the impact on
student attendance and academic performance.
Section two establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Students in many of the State's urban centers are forced to walk through
dangerous conditions to get to school. In some cases, parents choose
schools outside of their neighborhoods for safety reasons so their chil-
dren can be transported to and from school by bus. The mileage limits
for transportation aid no longer reflect the circumstances nor the needs
of students and families. This bill would allow school districts to
transport pupils in instances where the commissioner determines there
are safety concerns thereby protecting children and affording parents
and caregivers expanded options.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:.
2023-24: A.247
2021-2022: A.1276
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6423: 3635 education law, 3635(1) education law