ALBANY, N.Y. — The state Senate has passed a trio of school bus bills that backers say will protect child safety and enhance communication.

Senate Bill 3099A would increase the penalties for passing a stopped school bus. The legislation would impose a 60-day suspension of a driver’s license if convicted of passing a stopped school bus two or more times.

A second bill, S2371, would give school districts the option to put their website on their school buses. Currently, districts are only permitted to affix their phone numbers on the rear of the school bus. But supporters of the legislation say that with advancements in technology and communication, some school districts’ websites have become an increasingly important tool for communication.

The third piece of legislation, S4488, relates to “school bus” signs. Currently, school bus signs are required to be illuminated, but this bill would allow for the signs to be constructed with reflectorized materials. Backers say that the bill is intended to be a cost-saving measure while still supplying the necessary safety precautions.

The three bills have been sent to the Assembly.

Sen. Kemp Hannon said that if passed by the Assembly and governor, the bills “will make riding school buses safer for students, allow greater communications between school districts and the communities they serve, and provide school districts with an important cost-saving measure that will not in any way compromise safety.”

 

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