VEH CD-SCHOOL BUS PERMITS
This legislation aims to improve the safety and regulatory compliance of school transportation in Illinois by mandating that drivers of school buses must pass a modified written test involving both first and second division vehicles. It will require the Secretary of State and the Illinois State Board of Education to develop a new classroom course specifically for drivers of first division vehicles operating as school buses. Regional superintendents will be tasked with offering this new training course, which also includes a refresher course for existing permit holders.
House Bill 3476, introduced by Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to change the classification of first division motor vehicles used as school buses. The bill removes the previous language that classified these vehicles as second division vehicles, establishing a specific permit system for school bus drivers operating first division vehicles. The Secretary of State will now provide a separate school bus driver permit valid only for the operation of first division vehicles, which includes specific testing requirements for potential drivers.
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 3476 could involve the implementation of new training requirements for current school bus drivers. Stakeholders may express concerns about the burden of additional training on existing drivers, especially considering that they would need to comply with new regulations while continuing their jobs. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the enforcement of these new permits, background checks for drivers, and how these aspects contribute to ensuring student safety during transportation.