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Bill

A 7085

Requires that bus drivers be provided with regular rest periods to have the opportunity to use a restroom

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

Requires bus employers to provide regular rest periods so drivers can access restroom facilities, improving health, safety, and overall service for riders.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · A 7085

Summary of Assembly Bill A 7085

Overview

A 7085 is a New York Assembly bill introduced on March 20, 2025, that would require bus employers to provide regular rest periods for bus drivers to ensure opportunities to use a restroom. The bill is currently in the committee stage, having been referred to the Transportation Committee.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of bus drivers by guaranteeing regular breaks specifically to access restroom facilities.
  • The measure targets improved working conditions for drivers and, by extension, may contribute to better driver performance and safety on the road.

Key Provisions (as stated in bill title)

  • Requires employers of bus drivers to provide regular rest periods.
  • Ensures drivers have an opportunity to use restroom facilities during these periods.
  • Specific definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “regular rest period,” duration, frequency, and compliance mechanisms) would be outlined in the full text of the bill, which is not provided here.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Bus drivers, who would gain guaranteed opportunities to rest and use restroom facilities during shifts.
  • Employers and operators of bus transit services: Responsible for implementing scheduling, break policies, and compliance with the statute.
  • Potential indirect beneficiaries include transit riders and the broader commuting public, through improved driver comfort and safety.

Legislative Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: March 20, 2025.
  • Status: REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION (committee stage). The bill has appeared in the Legislative Actions twice on March 20, 2025, both indicating referral to the Transportation Committee.
  • Sponsor: J. Gary Pretlow (primary).

Related Legislation

A 7085 has several related bills listed from prior sessions, including A 3508, A 2542, A 5034, A 8225, A 2541, A 4393, A 1761, A 4691, and A 1619. The clustering of related bills suggests ongoing legislative interest in workplace standards for transit workers and restroom access.

Practical Considerations and Next Steps

  • If advanced, the bill would likely specify break frequency, minimum durations, and how breaks affect scheduling and service delivery.
  • Enforcement mechanisms, penalties for noncompliance, and reporting requirements would be defined in the full text.
  • Key questions for stakeholders include operational feasibility for agencies, impact on route coverage, and cost implications.

This summary provides the essential information available: purpose, scope, affected parties, and where the bill stands in the legislative process.

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

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