New York Consolidated Laws, Education Law - EDN § 3637. Idling school buses on school grounds

1. On or before July first, two thousand eight, the commissioner shall promulgate regulations requiring school districts to minimize, to the extent practicable, the idling of the engine of any school bus, as defined in section one hundred forty-two of the vehicle and traffic law, and other vehicles owned or leased by the school district while such bus or vehicle is parked or standing on school grounds, or in front of any school. Such regulations shall apply to school districts identified by the commissioner, in consultation with the department of health, with a significant number of children with asthma and those other school districts deemed by the commissioner as appropriate.

2. Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to, a requirement that the engines of all school buses and vehicles owned or leased by the school district be turned off while waiting for passengers to load or off load on school grounds. When necessary for heating, mechanical or emergency circumstances, the regulations may allow idling to the extent necessary to achieve such purpose. Provided, however, that such regulations shall not conflict with applicable state regulations and local laws.

3. School districts shall be required to annually provide their school personnel with notice of the provisions of this section, and the regulations promulgated pursuant to this section by the commissioner. The commissioner shall provide such notice for school districts to disseminate.