New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07660

Introduced
4/25/25  
Refer
4/25/25  

Caption

Details the procedure that certain school districts must follow when dealing with disciplinary actions for bus drivers and bus drivers' assistants.

Impact

The proposed changes will create a more structured and protective environment for bus drivers and assistants by requiring school districts to conform to existing labor agreements when disciplining employees. Specifically, the bill emphasizes the necessity for a superintendent to certify any wrongdoing that would justify expediting disciplinary actions, which in turn mandates that districts adhere to a strict timeline for resolving disputes. This could potentially minimize arbitrary or unjust disciplinary measures and ensure employees retain their rights during such processes.

Summary

S07660 is a bill aimed at amending the education law in relation to the disciplinary procedures for bus drivers and bus driver's assistants within New York school districts. The bill explicitly details that in districts wholly located in the counties of Westchester, Putnam, Nassau, and Suffolk, any contracts related to the employment and disciplinary actions of bus drivers must adhere to the terms set forth in collectively bargained agreements. This ensures that the rights and protections provided under these agreements are upheld in cases where adverse disciplinary actions are considered against drivers or assistants.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding S07660 is the balance between ensuring student safety and protecting the rights of employees. While proponents of the bill argue it provides necessary protections for workers against unjust treatment, opponents may raise concerns that the stringent requirements for certifying misconduct could delay the ability to address serious safety concerns involving bus drivers. This tension highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate measures needed to keep both students and educational staff safe while maintaining fair employment practices.

Companion Bills

NY A08094

Same As Details the procedure that certain school districts must follow when dealing with disciplinary actions for bus drivers and bus drivers' assistants.

Previously Filed As

NY A08094

Details the procedure that certain school districts must follow when dealing with disciplinary actions for bus drivers and bus drivers' assistants.

NY S03240

Prohibits drivers of school buses that are carrying students from using hands-free mobile telephones; provides for certain exceptions.

NY A00348

Prohibits drivers of school buses that are carrying students from using hands-free mobile telephones; provides for certain exceptions.

NY A09308

Removes references to the electric school bus mandate; provides that there shall be no mandate requiring school districts to purchase, operate or maintain any certain type of school buses and that the superintendent of each school district shall have the sole authority to determine the types of school buses such school district will purchase, operate and maintain; repeals certain provisions of law relating to electric school buses.

NY S08547

Removes references to the electric school bus mandate; provides that there shall be no mandate requiring school districts to purchase, operate or maintain any certain type of school buses and that the superintendent of each school district shall have the sole authority to determine the types of school buses such school district will purchase, operate and maintain; repeals certain provisions of law relating to electric school buses.

NY S09667

Delays the zero-emission school bus mandate for a period of five years; requires school districts to only purchase or lease zero-emission school buses by 2032 and requires school districts to only operate and maintain zero-emission school buses by 2040.

NY S09965

Provides for the removal and other disciplinary action of part-time teaching assistants; provides for the procedure of such actions; authorizes suspension pending the determination of charges.

NY A10896

Delays the zero-emission school bus mandate for a period of five years; requires school districts to only purchase or lease zero-emission school buses by 2032 and requires school districts to only operate and maintain zero-emission school buses by 2040.

NY A10148

Provides for the removal and other disciplinary action of part-time teaching assistants; provides for the procedure of such actions; authorizes suspension pending the determination of charges.

NY A09187

Extends the date by which school districts must purchase and solely operate and maintain zero-emission school buses; authorizes certain school districts to apply for and be granted an annual one-year extension for compliance with zero-emission school bus requirements until 2045.

Similar Bills

CA AB1809

Public contracts: school and community college districts.

CA SB272

San Mateo County Transit District: job order contracting: pilot program.

CA SB983

San Diego Unified Port District: job order contracting: pilot program.

OH SB29

Allow municipalities create joint economic development district

CA AB1247

Classified employees: school districts and community college districts: contracting out: training requirements.

CA AB948

An act to amend the heading of Article 3.

CA AB361

Best value procurement: school districts.

TX SB1359

Relating to the creation, powers, duties, and financing of the Wise Regional Water District; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees; creating a criminal offense.