In an effort to crack down on the amount of impaired drivers taking our children to and from school,  Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed off on a bill that will force New York school bus drivers to submit to random drug and alcohol drug testing.

The new law, which will take effect in 120 days, requires all bus drivers throughout the state to be eligible for random drug and alcohol screenings.

It also prohibits school-bus drivers from drinking alcohol eight hours prior to their shift, up from the previous six hours.

According to DemocratandChronicle.com, under previous law and federal rules, drivers operating mini-buses carrying under 16 passengers were not required to submit to drug and alcohol testing, according to a sponsors' memo attached to the bill.

The bills sponsored by state Sen. Carl Marcellino and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo requires all school bus drivers to submit to random drug tests and a pre-employment drug testing. Previously, only a small percent of bus drivers had to submit to tests.

"It was surprising to learn bus drivers of smaller school buses were not subject to random testing for drugs and alcohol," Lupardo said. "By closing this loophole, our roads will be safer for everyone, but most importantly for the students who ride the bus to and from school every day." according to Schoolbusfleet.com 

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