Requires school districts to provide transportation to public and nonpublic school pupils living along hazardous routes.
Under the provisions of A925, the Commissioner of Transportation, in partnership with the Commissioner of Education, is tasked with defining what constitutes a 'hazardous route'. These definitions will differentiate between urban, suburban, and rural settings and will take into account several factors such as traffic volume, average speeds, and the presence of safe passageways for pedestrians. The implementation of the bill is expected to require districts to adjust their transportation policies to ensure compliance with the new statutory requirements.
Assembly Bill A925, also referred to as the 'Student Safety Act of 2018', mandates that public school districts provide transportation services for both public and nonpublic school students who reside along designated hazardous routes. The bill stipulates that these districts will be eligible for state aid amounting to 100% of the costs associated with providing such transportation. The aim is to enhance safety for students who may potentially be exposed to dangerous conditions while traveling to school.
Critics of the bill argue that defining hazardous routes could lead to inconsistencies and subjective decision-making by local authorities. Concerns have been raised that without clear, standardized criteria, students' eligibility for transportation services may vary significantly across school districts. Additionally, some districts may struggle with the financial implications of implementing the required changes, particularly if state funding does not cover all the incurred costs. Nevertheless, supporters emphasize that the safety of students is paramount, particularly in areas with high traffic or poorly maintained roadways.