BILL NUMBER: S7955B
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to school bus
stop-arm cameras
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is intended clarify and strengthen the adjudi-
cation process concerning a notice of liability issued pursuant to New
York's school bus stop-arm camera and work zone speed camera programs.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 - Amends section 236 of the vehicle and traffic law to
expressly authorize counties, towns, and villages to establish traffic-
camera violations bureaus to adjudicate certain traffic camera-based
NOLs, including school bus stop-arm and work zone speed camera NOLs.
Section 2 - Amends subdivision 5-a of section 401 of the vehicle and
traffic law to update how certain unpaid or unresolved traffic-camera
based NOLs are treated for purposes of motor vehicle registration and
renewal.
Section 3-9 - Amends section 1174-a of the vehicle and traffic law to
clarify provisions governing school bus stop-arm cameras, by dictating
that upon the receipt of a notice of liability, a town and village
justice court must calendar that matter forthwith; it also expands
permissible use of school bus stop-arm camera recorded images to include
educational, statistical, and other governmental safety purposes, while
prohibiting usage for federal immigration enforcement assistance; it
also clarifies further related technical definitions and procedures.
Section 10-14 - Amends section 1180-e of the vehicle and traffic law to
clarify provisions relating to work zone speed camera programs, includ-
ing adjudication authority, procedural consistency, and related adminis-
trative provisions.
Section 15 - Amends subdivision 10 of section 1803 of the vehicle and
traffic law to make conforming changes related to the disposition of
fines and penalties collected pursuant to school bus stop-arm camera
programs.
Section 16 - Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York has already taken important steps to protect vulnerable road
users by authorizing school bus stop-arm camera enforcement in 2019 and
work zone speed camera enforcement in 2021. These programs were enacted
to deter dangerous driving behavior and improve safety for schoolchil-
dren and highway construction workers. However, several years into
implementation, uncertainty persists regarding adjudication of these
violations. In many jurisdictions this has resulted in violations not
being calendared or heard, delaying resolution and undermining the
deterrent effect of these laws.
This bill responds to those implementation challenges by clarifying
adjudication authority, establishing clearer procedures and timelines
for the handling of violations, and providing local governments, by
local law, with the option to utilize administrative tribunals as an
alternative forum. The bill also permits hearings by mail or video
conference and makes targeted technical and good-government clarifica-
tions to ensure consistent statewide administration. These changes are
necessary to preserve the integrity of existing safety programs, restore
timely adjudication, and ensure that laws enacted to protect children
and highway workers are fully and effectively enforced.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S7955A - Passed Senate 6.12.25
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This bill is expected to have minimal impact to the State and local
governments.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
The bill takes effect immediately, except section 2 amending Vehicle and
Traffic Law § 401 which takes effect January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
S7955: 1180-e vehicle and traffic law
S7955B: 401 vehicle and traffic law, 401(5-a) vehicle and traffic law, 1174 vehicle and traffic law, 1174-a vehicle and traffic law, 1180-e vehicle and traffic law, 1803 vehicle and traffic law, 1803(10) vehicle and traffic law