NY A06840

Applies to school districts wholly within Westchester, Putnam, Nassau, and Suffolk counties that contract for bus driver and bus driver's assistant services.

Requires districts to abide by the terms of any collectively bargained agreement applicable to bus drivers and drivers' assistants regarding disciplinary actions before imposing adverse discipline, unless the superintendent certifies egregious misconduct creating clear and present danger to student safety.

Mandates an expedited fact-finding process be completed within five business days of alleged wrongdoing when the superintendent makes the egregious misconduct certification.

Entitles bus drivers and drivers' assistants who incur wage reductions during an expedited process to punitive damages determined by the fact-finder if the superintendent's determination is improper or if they are exonerated.

Amends Education Law sections 1604, 1709, 2503, and 2554 to establish uniform procedures across different types of school districts in the specified counties.