BILL NUMBER: S8497
SPONSOR: STEC
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act amending the transportation law, in relation to establishing
in-route safety inspections for motor coach vehicles designed to carry
16 or more passengers
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To enhance passenger safety by instituting regular in-route safety
inspections for motor coach vehicles designed to transport sixteen or
more passengers, including the driver, and intended for intercity or
charter transportation.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
* Section 1: Designates the act as the "In-Route Safety Inspection for
Motor Coach Vehicles Act."
* Section 2: Articulates legislative findings and the act's purpose,
underscoring the critical need for routine safety inspections to miti-
gate risks and safeguard passengers.
* Section 3: Introduces a new section 148 to the transportation law,
encompassing:
* Subsection 1: Provides precise definitions for terms including "motor
coach vehicle" and "in-route inspection."
* Subsection 2: Imposes a requirement for motor coach vehicles to under-
go in-route inspections at designated rest areas at a minimum frequency
of once every thirty days. These inspections shall assess components
such as seat belts, lighting systems, braking mechanisms, tires, emer-
gency exits and equipment, and verify driver qualifications and adher-
ence to mandated rest periods.
*Subsection 3: Mandates the Department of Transportation to identify and
designate specific rest areas for the execution of these inspections and
to ensure the installation of appropriate signage to inform operators of
inspection obligations and locations.
* Subsection 4: Requires comprehensive documentation and submission of
all in-route inspection results to the Department, facilitating the
monitoring of compliance and the identification of safety trends. Addi-
tionally, the Department is tasked with publishing an annual report
detailing inspection outcomes, including any identified safety
violations and the corrective measures implemented.
* Subsection 5: Establishes penalties for non-compliance with the stipu-
lated inspection requirements, which may include fines, suspension of
operating authority, or the imposition of mandated corrective action
plans, as determined by the Commissioner.
* Section 4: Specifies that the act shall become effective on the nine-
tieth day following its enactment. It also authorizes the immediate
addition, amendment, and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary
for the act's implementation on or before its effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Ensuring the safety of passengers traveling by motor coach vehicles is
paramount. While motor coaches play a critical role in intercity and
charter transportation, regular in-route safety inspections are essen-
tial to mitigate potential risks associated with vehicle operation.
Implementing these inspections will enhance operational oversight,
reduce the likelihood of accidents, and bolster public confidence in
motor coach travel.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it becomes law.
Effective immediately, the addition, amendment, and/or repeal of any
rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its
effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such
effective date.