Iowa House Bill HF315

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 5/4/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to approved courses of instruction for school bus drivers.(Formerly HF 99.)

Impact

By incorporating ELDT into the qualification framework, HF315 aims to make the entry process for prospective school bus drivers more efficient. Previously, applicants were required to complete a DOE-approved course before or within their first six months of employment. However, the introduction of ELDT as an acceptable alternative could potentially enhance the quality of training, as it is designed to meet national safety standards. Furthermore, the bill maintains the ongoing requirement for existing drivers to complete approved instruction courses every 24 months. Thus, this legislation impacts how the state governs the qualifications necessary for driving school buses, potentially leading to a more consistent training standard in light of federal guidelines.

Summary

House File 315 addresses the training requirements for school bus drivers in Iowa by amending current law regarding the qualifications needed for employment as a school bus driver. The bill specifically allows the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) to accept proof of completion of federally mandated entry-level driver training (ELDT) as sufficient for individuals seeking school bus driver authorizations, provided that the training includes specific passenger and school bus endorsement curriculums. This change is intended to streamline the process of obtaining the necessary certifications for new school bus drivers and to align state requirements with recent federal regulations.

Contention

While the bill is largely focused on the implementation of training standards, there may be concerns related to maintaining the quality of driver instruction. Some stakeholders could argue that the acceptance of federally mandated training should not compromise the rigor of state-specific training requirements. Additionally, criticisms might emerge regarding the adaptation of state laws to meet federal guidelines, as this could be viewed as an erosion of local control over education and training standards. Stakeholders will need to ensure that any shifts in the training paradigm do not diminish the preparedness of school bus drivers, ultimately affecting student safety.