New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A11266

Introduced
5/4/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, A11266 will have significant implications for school district policies regarding student transportation. Currently, school districts are only required to provide transportation for children in grades K-8 who live more than two miles away and for those in grades 9-12 who live more than three miles from school. By extending transportation eligibility to all children living within a fifteen-mile radius, the bill aims to improve accessibility for all students, thus potentially increasing school attendance and engagement, particularly in rural areas where distances to schools can be challenging.

Summary

Bill A11266 proposes amendments to New York’s education law regarding the transportation of children attending grades kindergarten through twelve. The bill mandates that school districts provide transportation for all children living within a fifteen-mile radius of their legally attended school. This provision targets children who may require transportation due to their distance from the school, enhancing access to education. Notably, it specifies that transportation must be provided to before-and/or-after-school childcare locations upon request, thus expanding support for working families.

Contention

While the intent behind Bill A11266 is to increase student access to education, there may be concerns from various stakeholders. School districts might face additional financial burdens associated with the expanded transportation requirements. Critics may argue about the feasibility and potential inefficiencies in managing transportation logistics across broader distances. Furthermore, there could be discussions concerning the prioritization of resources, especially for districts already struggling with funding. Additionally, the bill's effect on existing childcare services and the responsibilities of school districts in coordinating transportation could lead to varying interpretations and implementations across different regions.

Companion Bills

NY S10158

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 S06858

Requires each school district to ensure that every public school in which school days exceed five hours in duration provides up to thirty minutes of daily recess within the school day for all students in kindergarten through fifth grade and for students in sixth grade who attend an elementary school.

NY H6236

Amends the composition of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation to students in grades kindergarten through 12.

NY S0972

Amends the composition of school bus districts within the state to provide transportation to students in grades kindergarten through 12.

NY S07703

Requires transportation after 4pm be provided for certain students by school districts in Sullivan county.

NY S07386

Provides grants for schoolyards and playgrounds to become living schoolyards which provide outdoor learning spaces for students.

NY HB2491

In pupils and attendance, further providing for when provided relating to transportation of pupils and for kinds of transportation and liability insurance; and, in charter schools, further providing for transportation.

NY A09529

Provides that state mandates shall not be implemented in school districts after such district has passed a budget; provides that any such mandates shall be implemented in the following fiscal year.

NY S3485

Provides that children under care, custody or supervision of DCPP may not be home-schooled.

NY HB2929

Establishes provisions when a district that is not maintaining a high school through twelfth grade shall be provided the rate of tuition for the next school year

Similar Bills

NJ A2037

Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program.

NJ S2758

Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program.

NJ S1512

Permits jointure commission to provide transportation services on school buses it owns or leases to local school districts without public bidding.

NJ A2484

Permits jointure commission to provide transportation services on school buses it owns or leases to local school districts without public bidding.

ND HB1214

Payments for school district transportation of students, special education students, and career and technical education students, the distribution of transportation payments in the event of school district closure, and state transportation payments to school districts; and to provide an effective date.

SC H3242

SC School Bus Privatization

NJ A2882

Provides additional State pupil transportation aid to school districts that meet certain criteria.

NJ A1717

Revises mileage limit for mandatory school transportation for students.