S1448B

The New York State Senate passed S1448B, an Education Law amendment implementing a study on school transportation, by a vote of 61-0 on a roll call. The bill's passage came after the chamber rejected an amendment that would have replaced a state mandate requiring all school districts to transition to electric school buses by 2027 with a pilot study program. Sen. Borrello's amendment, ruled nongermane by Acting President Bailey, sought to delay the mandate citing reliability concerns, estimated $20 billion replacement costs, and infrastructure challenges. An appeal to overturn the ruling failed on a show of hands vote, 20-0. Supporters including Sen. Harckham argued electric buses reduce student exposure to diesel pollutants and offer long-term cost savings, while critics like Sen. Rhoads warned the technology is unproven and the expense will strain school district budgets already facing Foundation Aid cuts. The bill passed with bipartisan support despite the contentious debate over the electric bus mandate's implementation timeline and feasibility.