By Hank Russell
A bill that would require children between the ages of 8 and 16 to wear seat belts on cawaharter buses was approved by committee and now heads for a full vote.
The legislation, which was introduced by William B. Magnarelli (D-Syracuse), would also require all charter buses to be equipped with a child restraint system. The requirements would apply to charter buses that were built since 2016.
If a child is not properly kept in a seat belt, they will be issued a $50 fine. If their parent or guardian is present on the bus with them, that parent or guardian will receive the fine.
On January 9, Magnarelli introduced the bill to the Transportation Committee. It was approved unanimously by a 24-0 vote on February 27 and referred to the Codes Committee. On March 5, Codes approved the bill, 19-3.
Three Long Island members of the Assembly co-sponsored the bill: Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Lindenhurst), Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), and Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington). The legislation hits home for many Long Islanders, with the bus crash involving members of the Farmingdale High School marching band in the upstate town of Wawayanda last September. More than 40 students and adults were on the bus, which went off Interstate 84 and down a ravine after a front tire reportedly blew out. Two adults were killed.
“I remember the heartbreaking day of the bus crash like it was yesterday and I wholeheartedly endorse the legislation,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “Our children count on us to keep them safe as they head off to school trips, band camps and other activities. With this legislation, we reaffirm our commitment to our children’s safety when they go on school-sponsored trips.”
A Senate version of the bill sponsored by Timothy Kennedy (D,WF-Buffalo) is still waiting to be voted on by the Transportation Committee.