Bill > A02005

This bill amends existing education law to allow school districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the commissioner of education, which would exempt them from mandatory requirements to transition to zero-emission school buses. The bill defines a "zero-emission school bus" as a vehicle propelled by an electric motor that operates without direct atmospheric pollutant emissions, and creates a formal "opt-out waiver" process that would enable school districts to permanently bypass previously established timelines for transitioning their bus fleets. Under the current law, school districts were required to begin purchasing only zero-emission buses by July 2027 and operate exclusively zero-emission buses by July 2035. The bill preserves worker protection provisions, ensuring that the opt-out process will not negatively impact employee rights, benefits, or collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the bill maintains existing requirements for annual progress reporting on zero-emission bus implementation, though these reporting requirements would be waived for districts that successfully submit an opt-out waiver. The opt-out mechanism provides flexibility for school districts that may face challenges in transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, such as infrastructure limitations or financial constraints, while still maintaining the overall goal of reducing emissions from school transportation.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2005