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Bill

A 10401

Relates to pupil transportation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harry Bronson and 3 co-sponsors

Allows school districts to use piggyback contracts with other districts’ private transportation contractors to save costs, with new logistics vehicle framework and driver rules.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 10401

Bill A. 10401 (2025-2026) — Relates to pupil transportation (New York)

Overview

  • Introduction: Assembly Bill A. 10401, introduced March 3, 2026 by Assembly Member Hunter, with co-sponsors Pamela Hunter, Harry Bronson, Al Taylor, Manny De Los Santos.
  • Committee: Referred to the Education Committee.
  • Purpose: To modify education and transportation laws to expand the use of piggyback contracts for pupil transportation and to create a new framework for “school transportation logistics” providers and drivers.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Enable school districts to use piggyback contracts to engage transportation services via another district that already contracts with a private pupil transportation contractor.
  • Establish a new category of transportation services (school transportation logistics) and set driver qualifications and oversight for these services.
  • Align certain definitions and regulatory provisions within the Vehicle and Traffic Law to accommodate these changes.

Key Provisions

1) Piggyback Contracts for Pupil Transportation (Education Law)

  • Adds a new paragraph (h) to Education Law § 305(14) allowing boards of education to enter into piggyback contracts with another school district’s private single pupil transportation contractor.
  • Conditions for piggyback:
    • The contract cost must be appropriate and result in cost savings for the district.
    • The private transportation contractor must be approved by the Education Commissioner as meeting Education Law requirements.
    • The piggyback contract is defined as a transportation contract where another district is already transporting students under an existing contract with a private contractor, including cooperatively bid contracts.
    • The piggyback arrangement must mirror the terms and conditions of the existing contract and can be initiated at contract start or during the term.

2) Definitions and Regulatory Alignment (Vehicle & Traffic Law)

  • Revises several definitions and terms to reflect the new structure:
    • “Bus,” “Driver,” “Motor carrier,” “Intoxicating liquor,” “Drug,” “Controlled substance,” “Accident” definitions updated or clarified.
    • Introduces and clarifies terms:
    • “School-related pupil transportation” (transportation to/from school, field trips, after-school programs, preschool/childcare, athletics, extracurriculars, etc., when provided by a private contractor).
    • “School transportation logistics vehicle” (vehicles designed for no more than nine passengers, including the driver, used by a logistics company contracted by a local educational agency, providing school-related pupil transportation for compensation).
    • “School transportation logistics coordinator” (the logistics company contracted by a local educational agency providing such transportation for compensation).
  • These changes create a formal category for logistics providers and set scope for their operations.

3) Annual Driving Record Review and Testing (Vehicle & Traffic Law)

  • § 509-e: Requires motor carriers to review driving records of bus drivers annually for safety qualification, considering violations, accidents, and traffic laws. Records must be kept.
  • School transportation logistics coordinators must also review driving records for drivers contracted to them, including consideration of accidents and traffic violations, and must conduct pre-service, random, and post-accident drug testing.
  • Clarifies that a school bus does not include a school transportation logistics vehicle driven by a logistics company driver.
  • Maintains that CDL requirements are not necessarily required for school-related single pupil transportation drivers under this framework.

4) Compliance, Oversight, and Penalties (Vehicle & Traffic Law)

  • § 509-j: Revisions to obligations of motor carriers and transportation coordinators to comply with the article; includes provisions for training, qualifications, affidavits of compliance, and potential penalties or suspension for noncompliance.
  • Allows for civil penalties and vehicle registrations actions for noncompliance with affidavits or rules, with specified penalty ranges and enforcement processes.

5) Qualifications for School Transportation Logistics Vehicle Drivers (New § 509-bbb)

  • Establishes driver qualifications specific to school transportation logistics vehicles:
    • Minimum age: 21 years old.
    • Valid driver’s license/permit appropriate for passenger vehicle operation in New York.
    • Passes physical examinations and tests under § 509-g.
    • Not disqualified under § 509-c or other provisions.

Affected Parties

  • School districts: Potentially benefit from cost savings via piggyback contracts; must ensure approvals and compliance.
  • Private single pupil transportation contractors: Eligibility and approval process under Education Law driven by piggyback requirements.
  • School transportation logistics coordinators (logistics companies) and their drivers: Subject to new definitions, driver qualifications, annual record reviews, and testing requirements.
  • Students receiving pupil transportation: May be served through piggyback arrangements or logistics providers.
  • Local educational agencies and municipalities: Implementing bodies for logistics vehicles and contracts.

Timeline and Effective Date

  • The act specifies that it shall take effect on the 180th day after it becomes law.

Summary

Bill A. 10401 broadens options for pupil transportation by allowing piggyback contracts between school districts when a private contractor is involved and cost savings are demonstrated with commissioner approval. It creates a formal framework for school transportation logistics vehicles and coordinators, including definitions, driver qualifications (notably a 21+ age minimum and standard licensing/physical requirements), annual driving record reviews, drug testing, and enforcement mechanisms. The overall aim is to modernize and potentially economize pupil transportation while maintaining safety and regulatory oversight.

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

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