NY A02005

Allows school districts to submit a one-time "opt-out waiver" to the Commissioner of Education for a permanent exemption from New York's zero-emission school bus requirements

School districts that do not opt out must purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses starting July 1, 2027, and operate exclusively zero-emission buses by July 1, 2035

Districts without an opt-out waiver must continue submitting annual progress reports on zero-emission bus implementation, including infrastructure readiness, workforce development, and fleet transition status

The opt-out waiver exempts districts from requirements that contractors providing transportation services also comply with zero-emission mandates

Districts that do not submit an opt-out waiver remain eligible to apply for a one-time 24-month extension to meet the 2027 compliance deadline