A package of limousine safety measures approved in the wake of a 2018 crash that killed 20 people in Schoharie are now in effect.

The bills include new provisions for safety standards, oversight, and penalties following the deadliest transportation disaster in a decade in the United States.

“It’s been more than two years since the deadly limousine crash in Schoharie County that claimed the lives of 20 people,” Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said. “Our community still aches for the family members, friends and neighbors we lost on that horrific day. That’s why I’ve been fighting ever since to make the limousine industry safer once and for all. The new laws are long overdue and will help us better protect our families and ultimately save lives.”

The measures include increased penalties for stretch limousine drivers that attempt U-turns, the creation of a state toll-free hotline to report stretch limousine safety issues, and that drivers of stretch limousine vehicles that can seat nine or more people have commercial driver's licenses.

And law that authorizes the Department of Transportation to impound or immobilze stretch limousines that fail safety inspections is also due to take effect.