Section 837-H. Livery vehicle safety training program; standards; eligibility; reports

1. The  commissioner,  in  consultation  with  the
  division of state police and the local licensing authority as defined in
  section  six  hundred twenty-one of this chapter, shall promulgate rules
  and regulations necessary  for  the  efficient  operation  of  a  livery
  vehicle  safety  training  program.  Such  rules and regulations issued,
  adopted or amended must at a minimum provide:
    (a) the development of a training program  curriculum  which  includes
  instruction on:
    (i)  methods  to  maximize  personal  safety, including information on
  available equipment and technologies;
    (ii) effective passenger management and communications skills;
    (iii) vehicular and pedestrian  safety,  including  a  review  of  the
  applicable provisions of the vehicle and traffic law; and
    (iv) any other subject relevant to the public health and safety in the
  operation of livery vehicles;
    (b)  the  procedure by which the provider agencies make application to
  receive funding to operate a program and the form of the application;
    (c)  the  procedure  by  which  provider  agencies   report   to   the
  commissioner regarding the provision of program services and the form of
  the report;
    (d) the procedure for periodic monitoring and evaluation of the livery
  vehicle safety training program.
    2.  Each  provider  agency shall prepare a plan, to be approved by the
  commissioner, for the provision of program services to eligible drivers.
  Such plan shall include, at a minimum, the nature of the services to  be
  rendered,  how  the  services  comply with the developed curriculum, the
  cost associated with rendering such services and a  description  of  how
  the  services  will  enhance  livery vehicle safety. For the purposes of
  this section the term "provider agency" shall mean a county,  municipal,
  local  unit  of  government  or  a  college  or  a  university  or a law
  enforcement agency or a not-for-profit entity.
    3. Each provider agency  shall  furnish  the  commissioner  a  written
  report  in  a format and at a time to be determined by the commissioner,
  subject to standards promulgated pursuant to this section  which  shall,
  at a minimum contain:
    (a)  a  description of how the assistance provided, in accordance with
  the program established herein, enhanced livery vehicle services; and
    (b) the nature and costs of program services provided.
    4. For the purposes of this section the term  "livery  vehicle"  shall
  have  the  same  meaning as the term "livery", as defined in section six
  hundred twenty-one of this chapter.
    5. Nothing contained in this section shall impose liability  upon  the
  division  or the state for death, injury or loss incurred by a driver by
  reason of that driver having participated in the livery  vehicle  safety
  training program.