The trial for Prestige Limousine operator Nauman Hussain has been pushed back. A Schoharie County judge has granted a 60-day extension at the request of Hussain's defense team.

Prestige Limousine was the company operating the limousine that crashed in Schoharie in October 2018, killing 20 people. Prosecutors have claimed Hussain knew the limo was unsafe to drive.

In April, Hussain was indicted and arraigned on 20 counts of manslaughter, and 20 counts of criminally negligent homicide. The trial is now set to start January 6, 2020.

Earlier this week, we learned Hussain's defense team now has access to the limo, which they plan to study very closely heading into this trial. 

Meanwhile, the State Senate Transportation Committee is set to vote on several bills regarding limousine safety next week.

Earlier this year, new limousine safety measures were included in the state budget, doubling penalties for violating safety regulations.

The Department of Motor Vehicles is also now allowed to confiscate the plates of any stretch limo that doesn't pass a state inspection.

The bills will include requirements for limousines to have seat belts, escape hatches, and roll bars. Drivers would have to carry a commercial driver’s license, and undergo criminal background checks — as well as drug and alcohol testing. 

Senator Tim Kennedy, the committee chairman, says this is important. 

"The loss of life is so horrific. It drew immediate attention to the lack of safety standards being followed in the industry, and we want to make sure the industry is held to account. So, we're doing that," Kennedy said.

Kennedy also wants a task force for further study the issue and increased penalties for breaking the laws governing limo safety.

There are no similar bills in the Assembly. This current legislative session ends June 19.