Violent crime statistics and the proximity of vacant buildings will be used as part of an expanded definition of "child safety zones" in New York under new legislation. 

The measure's approval last month by Gov. Kathy Hochul could help school districts in New York be reimbursed for pupil transportation for students who live in these areas — providing them with a safer means of traveling to class. 

“Safe transportation to and from school and critical to a student’s overall success,” said Assemblywoman Pat Fahy. “Unsafe transportation for students can lead to increased absences and directly affect a student’s ability to perform both socially and academically. With this legislation now law, more students here in Albany and across New York State will have the opportunity to hop on a school bus and travel to and from school safely. Importantly, transportation of students living in a child safety zone is eligible for reimbursement of related costs, removing a barrier for school districts to provide safe transportation.”

Districts cannot be reimbursed for transporting students who live less than 1-1/2 miles from school, but exceptions are made for students who live in areas deemed to be child safety zones. 

"As parent advocates, our goal is to work hard every day to protect our children and give them the best future they can possibly have,” said Sen. Robert Jackson. “Child safety, without a doubt, is crucial for all of us. I’m proud to have worked with Assemblymember Fahy and our colleagues to address one of the dangers our children face in many school districts like the one I represent in New York City: their commute. Now with Gov. Hochul’s signature on this bill, we’ll allow school districts to receive reimbursement for bus transportation on shorter commutes that will make all the difference in getting our children to and from school safely."

The measure, which took effect immediately, will help address students who have missed school and live in urban areas, said Albany School Superintendent Kaweeda Adams. 

“With this new Child Safety Zone law, we believe the governor and our state have addressed a fundamental question of equity for students in urban communities," Adams said. "We anticipate that this new law will give all New York school districts additional options to address student safety and chronic absenteeism, and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner for our communities.”