Senate Bill S928

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S928

SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a review of
school safety plans for traffic and transportation issues

 
PURPOSE:

Requires a review of school safety plans for traffic and transportation
issues.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill would add a new section 409-n to the education law
to require local transportation regulatory agency to review and approve
a school safety plan prior to the issuance of a building permit for a
new school facility or the expansion or renovation of an existing school
facility. The school safety plan shall include an evaluation of poten-
tial traffic and transportation issues related to the school, as well as
proposed measures to mitigate any safety risks. The provisions of this
              

section shall not apply to a school facility that is owned or operated
by a school district.

Section 2 would set the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The purpose of this bill is to ensure the safety of students, staff, and
the community by mandating that a comprehensive school safety plan,
which includes traffic and transportation considerations, is reviewed
and approved by a local transportation regulatory agency before a build-
ing permit can be issued for new school facilities, expansions, or reno-
vations.

Need for the Bill:

Student Safety: With the growing concerns over student safety, especial-
ly in and around school premises, it is crucial to address all potential
hazards. Traffic accidents involving students and school transportation
vehicles are a significant concern, and mitigating these risks is para-
mount.

Holistic Safety Approach: Current regulations may not comprehensively
address traffic and transportation issues in the context of school safe-
ty. By integrating these aspects into the school safety plan, this bill
ensures a more holistic approach to safeguarding students and school
staff.

Proactive Planning: By requiring a transportation review before the
issuance of building permits, the bill ensures that potential safety
issues are identified and addressed at the earliest possible stage.
This proactive measure can prevent future incidents and promote a safer
environment.

Benefits:


Enhanced Safety: The bill enhances safety by ensuring that traffic and
transportation risks are systematically evaluated and mitigated before
construction begins. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of
accidents and improve overall safety around school facilities.

Community Involvement: Involving local transportation agencies fosters
community involvement and ensures that local knowledge and expertise are
leveraged in the planning process, leading to more effective and
tailored safety solutions.

Long-Term Planning: This approach promotes long-term planning and
sustainability, as safety measures are integrated into the initial
design and construction phases, rather than being retrofitted later.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2024 - S. 9636 - REFERRED TO EDUCATION

 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:  N/A

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.