Summary of Bill S 2141

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 2141
• Title: Relates to prohibiting the metropolitan transportation authority from promulgating rules or regulations that penalize a student for using a student MetroCard when school is not in session
• Status: Referred to Transportation
• Introduced: January 15, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 2141 is to protect students from penalties associated with the use of student MetroCards during periods when school is not in session. This legislation aims to ensure that students can utilize their MetroCards freely without the fear of facing fines or other punitive measures from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Key Provisions

• Prohibition of Penalties: The bill explicitly prohibits the MTA from creating or enforcing any rules or regulations that would penalize students for using their student MetroCards outside of regular school hours or during school breaks.
• Clarification of Usage: The legislation seeks to clarify that student MetroCards are intended for the benefit of students, allowing them to travel for various purposes, including extracurricular activities, summer programs, and other non-school-related events.

Who Would Be Affected

• Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students who rely on student MetroCards for transportation. This includes high school and college students who may need to travel for various reasons during school breaks.
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): The MTA will be required to adjust its policies and regulations regarding the use of student MetroCards in accordance with this bill.

Procedural Aspects

• Legislative Action: The bill was introduced on January 15, 2025, and has been referred to the Transportation Committee for further consideration.
• Related Bills: This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
  • S 7492
  • A 8245
  • S 879

These related bills may provide context or additional legislative history relevant to the current proposal.

Conclusion

Bill S 2141 seeks to safeguard the rights of students in New York by ensuring that they can use their student MetroCards without the risk of penalties during non-school periods. By addressing this issue, the bill aims to promote accessibility and support for students' transportation needs outside of the academic calendar. The bill is currently under consideration by the Transportation Committee, and its progress will be monitored as it moves through the legislative process.