This week I supported measures passed in the New York State Senate that would increase school bus safety by prohibiting registered sex offenders from becoming bus drivers and for increasing penalties for passing a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off students.
The legislation (S.1519) prohibits a registered sex offender from obtaining or renewing a commercial drivers license to operate a passenger or school bus, providing a greater level of protection to the public from these individuals.
In addition, another bill (S.1878) provides for a 60-day suspension of an individual's drivers license when the holder is convicted two or more times of passing a stopped school bus within a period of 10 years. This legislation would make the penalties for multiple violations of passing a stopped school bus the same as penalties for drivers convicted of speeding in a construction zone two or more times.
The safety of children is paramount and we’ve committed to student safety in the New York State Senate. These are further measures of protection. When parents put their children on a school bus, they should be confident that their child is safe.
The bills have been sent to the Assembly.
Sen. Jack Martins is the representative of New York's Seventh Senatorial District. He was elected to the State Senate in 2010 as a Republican from Mineola.
