Education (School Transportation)

This bill extends the maximum lease term for zero-emission school buses from five to twelve years, requiring voter approval for leases longer than one school year. It directly affects school districts and boards operating school bus fleets by allowing longer-term financing for these vehicles, which typically have higher upfront costs. The bill also adjusts how lease costs are calculated for state aid purposes, setting an eight-year assumed amortization period specifically for zero-emission buses (instead of the standard five years). These changes aim to support school districts transitioning to cleaner transportation while maintaining financial oversight through voter approval for extended leases.

This bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses (electric or hydrogen-powered, with no tailpipe emissions) when buying new buses starting July 1, 2027. It also mandates that any procurement for school transportation services or infrastructure components must prioritize U.S.-made parts and assembly, with limited waivers available for cost or feasibility concerns. School districts facing financial hardship may receive up to two years to comply after a cost-benefit analysis by the education commissioner. The law applies directly to all public school districts and their contractors, aiming for full transition to zero-emission buses by 2047 or when all state vehicle fleets meet the standard.

This bill allows home-schooled students (who would otherwise attend public school without tuition) to request enrollment in career education classes at local cooperative educational services. School districts must establish written policies permitting this, requiring home-schooled students to meet the same behavioral standards, academic requirements (including annual assessments), and health regulations as public school students. Parents must submit written requests by April 15th each year, and districts may only provide transportation from the student's home school bus route to the cooperative education site. The policy must explicitly include these requirements for eligibility.

Bill A 8035 authorizes additional building aid for school districts to help cover specific infrastructure costs associated with zero-emission school buses. This aid addresses "incremental zero-emission school bus storage costs," which include modifications to bus facilities, specialized equipment, and advanced fire suppression systems. It also covers "incremental customer-owned make-ready costs" for infrastructure needed to install electric vehicle chargers. The aid applies to approved expenditures incurred through the 2034-2035 school year, provided these costs are not reimbursed by other state, federal, or utility funding sources. This measure aims to assist school districts with the necessary infrastructure investments for transitioning to zero-emission school bus fleets.

Includes policies and procedures for responding to students having mental health crises in a manner that does not include contacting law enforcement unless implied or direct threats of violence or other criminal activity is involved in school safety plans.

Requires the board of education and the trustees or sole trustee of every school district to establish policies and procedures regarding the treatment of transgender or gender non-conforming students.