Current New York state law allows recently hired school bus drivers to work until their background checks are completed, which can take up to three months under the ink fingerprinting system. With a new electronic fingerprinting, a background check can be completed in a few days.

Electronic fingerprinting will also improve the accuracy of background checks, as ink fingerprints are often smudged or mislabeled. The quick turnaround will ensure that children are not unnecessarily exposed to drivers with criminal backgrounds, WCAX reports.

The new electronic fingerprinting procedures will be put into place starting in February. DMV officials told the news source that the new system could potentially save the state money.