Bill > S01018

This bill amends the New York State education law to require school districts located in cities with at least one million inhabitants (which effectively means New York City) to include specific worker protection provisions in school bus transportation contracts. These provisions mandate that when school bus transportation contracts are awarded, either through competitive bidding or proposal evaluation, the contracts must include requirements for retaining or giving hiring preference to existing school bus workers, and preserving their wages, health and welfare benefits, retirement benefits, and seniority. The bill specifically defines "school bus workers" as operators, mechanics, dispatchers, or attendants who were employed by a contractor or subcontractor providing school transportation services as of June 30, 2023, and who have been furloughed or become unemployed due to losing a contract or experiencing a service reduction. The bill aims to protect the job security and benefits of school transportation workers during contract transitions, ensuring that changes in transportation providers do not automatically result in worker displacement. The provisions apply to transportation contracts for kindergarten through 12th-grade students and give the commissioner of education authority to approve or reject contract extensions based on various factors, including changes in the consumer price index.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1018