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Bill

A 348

Relates to drivers of school buses using hands-free mobile telephones

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 4 co-sponsors

Requires school bus drivers to use hands-free devices, reducing handheld phone use and distractions to improve student safety.

PRINT NUMBER 348A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 348

Summary of Assembly Bill A 348 (A 348A)

Overview

  • Title: Relates to drivers of school buses using hands-free mobile telephones
  • Purpose (high-level): The bill addresses the use of mobile telephones by drivers operating school buses, focusing on the use of hands-free devices. The goal is to promote safer driving by reducing manual use of phones while operating a school bus.
  • Jurisdiction: New York State Assembly

Version and Status

  • Current Version: A348A (printed version)
  • Recent actions:
    • Referred to Transportation on January 8, 2025
    • Amendments and reprints to Transportation on October 8, 2025
    • Print Number 348A issued on October 8, 2025
  • Legislative history notes: The bill has undergone amendments and is proceeding through the Transportation committee process, as indicated by the “amend and recommit to transportation” actions.

Key Provisions (as inferred from the title)

  • The bill centers on the use of mobile telephones by drivers of school buses.
  • Emphasis appears to be on “hands-free” use, which typically implies:
    • Requiring or facilitating the use of hands-free devices (e.g., Bluetooth or integrated hands-free systems) when operating a school bus.
    • Potentially restricting or regulating handheld phone use by bus drivers.
  • Specific duties, penalties, exemptions, definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “hands-free” device), and enforcement mechanisms are not provided in the materials available here. The exact language would appear in the A348A text.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: School bus drivers and operators
  • Secondary: School districts and transportation departments responsible for school bus operations; students and parents who rely on safe school transportation

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Introduction: January 8, 2025
  • Committee activity: Referred to Transportation (January 8, 2025)
  • Subsequent actions: Amendments and reprints to Transportation (October 8, 2025)
  • Current status (as provided): Print version 348A available; bill still moving through transportation-related process

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Amy Paulin
  • Cosponsors (identified): Chris Burdick, Rebecca Seawright, Donna Lupardo, David Weprin

Related Legislation

  • Related bills (prior sessions and companions): A 10642, A 1573, A 1088, A 130
  • Companion: S 3240

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Safety: If enacted, the bill could reduce distractions for school bus drivers, potentially lowering risk of accidents related to handheld phone use.
  • Compliance and costs: School districts may need to ensure buses are equipped with hands-free technology and that drivers receive training or guidance on compliant use.
  • Enforcement: The effectiveness will depend on enforcement provisions, penalties, and clear definitions of “hands-free” usage.
  • Implementation timeline: Details on phased rollout or effective dates would be in the final text (A348A).

Next Steps

  • Review the full A348A text for exact definitions, prohibited/allowed activities, penalties, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Monitor committee hearings and floor actions in Transportation for any amendments or changes to scope and requirements.
  • Consider related companion legislation (e.g., S 3240) to understand statewide alignment and any differences between the houses.

If you’d like, I can summarize the exact provisions once the full text of A348A is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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