NY S08877

Prohibits construction of new schools within 600 feet of a major roadway (defined as state highways/thruway with at least 30,000 vehicles per day) effective 30 days after enactment.

Requires the Department of Transportation to identify schools within 600 feet of proposed major roadways and site highways at least 600 feet away when feasible; mandates environmental impact statements analyzing health, societal, and environmental effects when no alternative location exists.

Requires the Department of Transportation to conduct a statewide census of public schools within 600 feet of major roadways within 90 days and develop mitigation plans for existing schools.

Mandates schools near major roadways implement at least two mitigation measures including HVAC system installation, noise insulation, pollutant-absorbing plants, indoor playground options, or soil capping, with annual reporting of respiratory issues and maintenance data.

Requires a 45-day public comment period for mitigation suggestions, use of Best Available Control Technologies during construction, and annual data collection by school nurses on student respiratory health and mitigation measure effectiveness.