CBS2 EXCLUSIVE: LI Woman Fights For School Bus Access For Children Of Sick Parents

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) --  It's back to the drawing board in Albany for a bill that would provide school buses for children whose parents are too sick to take them to school.

Tara Notrica battles a rare hematological disease. While undergoing a stem cell transplant, she could not walk or drive her children to school. But because she lived within the half-mile cut off for school bus service, Notrica's family was not entitled to busing.

"My disease is extremely severe," Notrica told CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff. "I was 100 pounds and on a feeding tube."

The Merrick School District repeatedly turned down Notrica's request for bus service.

"If there was an exception done for one child, then it would have to be for other students as well," Notrica said.

Finally, she prevailed and was granted a rare exception. Notrica is still fighting to spare other chronically ill and disabled parents with young children, by fighting for a bill to authorize districts to make busing exceptions.

Amy Mogel, who suffers from a neurological disorder, lived two houses too close to the school for her 5-year-old son to get the bus. Her son is now 20.

"I just thought that this was a really simple thing that if someone needed busing to get their child to school it would be provided," Mogel said.

Officials from the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association cites concerns over where funding for the program would come from.

Supporters of the bill said extensive medical documentation will guard the bill from being abused.

"At the end of the day it's about making sure our kids arrive safely at home, understanding that not everybody is equally equipped in getting them there," state Sen. Jack Martins said.

This bill passed in New York State Senate last year, but did not pass in the Assembly.

Notrica says she'll fight for consistency and compassion.

"We need to make sure that they are safe and secure and have a consistant way of getting to and from school," Notrica said.

A new version of the bill is under consideration this year.