Bill > S06711

This bill amends the New York State vehicle and traffic law to give local school districts and municipalities the authority to determine and establish speed limits in school zones, which were previously set by the Department of Transportation. Under the current law, school speed limits could be as low as 15 miles per hour for a distance of up to 1,320 feet near a school building or entrance. The proposed changes transfer the decision-making power from the state-level transportation department to local entities, allowing them to more directly manage traffic speeds around schools. This localization of decision-making could potentially enable communities to set speed limits that more precisely reflect their specific safety needs and road conditions. The bill does not change the existing minimum speed limit of 15 miles per hour for school zones, but instead focuses on shifting the responsibility for setting those limits from state to local authorities. The legislation would take effect immediately upon passage.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6711