NY S07415

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

Requires districts to abide by terms in any collectively bargained agreements governing disciplinary actions before imposing adverse discipline against bus drivers or drivers' assistants.

Permits districts to bypass collective bargaining procedures only when the superintendent certifies the driver's act or omission constitutes egregious misconduct creating clear and present danger to child safety.

Mandates expedited fact-finding process be completed within five business days when superintendent certification is made for egregious misconduct.

Entitles drivers or drivers' assistants to punitive damages determined by a fact-finder if the superintendent's determination is improper or if the employee is exonerated of the underlying wrongdoing.