Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bus Rapid Transit

Transpo Bills Gummed Up By State Senate Dysfunction

After spending the last five weeks affirming Albany's status as the nation's most dysfunctional state capital, the State Senate will have one last extraordinary session this Wednesday before calling it a year. The chamber is not expected to pass much in the way of transportation bills. (The Assembly wrapped up its session last month.) Here's a short summary of unfinished livable streets business which the Senate and Assembly will leave behind until the 2010 legislative session.

There is one piece of legislation related to safer streets potentially en route to becoming law this week: The safe driving bill that passed the Assembly last month. Martin Dilan, chair of the Senate transportation committee, wants to move the bill this week, said his Albany office. Aimed primarily at young and inexperienced drivers, the bill would penalize distracted driving, including texting while driving, but it does not rise to the level of an outright texting ban. A provision inserted in the Assembly would prevent police from issuing a ticket for "inattentive driving" unless the driver was observed committing another violation at the same time.

Distracted driving contributes to more than 10,000 crashes per year in New York State. Apparently, Albany doesn't think that's a big enough hazard to justify pulling drivers over.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

EXCLUSIVE: Early Trump Memos Undermine Sean Duffy’s Argument Against Congestion Pricing

The feds did not question New York State's approach to congestion pricing in the first Trump administration, memos show.

April 21, 2025

Deep Dive: How Will Sean Duffy Fix Penn Station?

The Transportation Secretary has taken over the biggest transportation planning mess in North America. First, he has to realize that this job is more than just cosmetic surgery.

April 21, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Randy Lewis-Mastro Edition

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro is Eric Adams's latest point-man for handicapping Eric Adams's agenda. Plus more news.

April 21, 2025

Staten Islanders Fight To Keep Park Car-free

Politicians believe cars will make the park safer, but the opposite is the case.

April 18, 2025

Friday Headlines: Trump’s Revenge Tour Now Includes a Stop at Penn Station

U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy is so eager to own the libs at the MTA that he's now taken himself hostage. Plus other news.

April 18, 2025
See all posts