HLS 11RS-526 ENGROSSED
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Regular Session, 2011
HOUSE BILL NO. 507
BY REPRESENTATIVES LANDRY AND NORTON
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS: Provides relative to school bus driver qualifications and related
matters
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 32:408(B)(3)(f) and 414.2(E)(2)(introductory paragraph) and (c),2
relative to commercial driver's license holders; to prohibit certain persons from3
operating school buses; and to provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. 32:408(B)(3)(f) and 414.2(E)(2)(introductory paragraph) and (c) are6
hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows: 7
§408. Examination of applicants required; classes of licenses8
* * *9
B.10
* * *11
(3) The department shall issue endorsements for commercial drivers' licenses12
if applicants for such endorsements pass the appropriate knowledge and skills tests13
necessary for issuance of the endorsement and if the applicant passes any requisite14
security assessment for issuance of a particular endorsement. However, if an15
applicant for an endorsement is eligible for a waiver of the test requirements16
pursuant to any applicable federal waiver program implemented by the department17
at the time the applicant applies for the endorsement, the department shall issue the18
endorsement to the applicant. A federal waiver program may be implemented at the19 HLS 11RS-526 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 507
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department's discretion. The following endorsements shall be available to the classes1
of commercial drivers' licenses:2
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(f) "S" - school bus. The department shall not issue an "S" endorsement to4
any applicant who meets the disqualification criteria set forth in R.S. 32:414.2(E)(1),5
notwithstanding the date of the disqualifying event. The department may issue an6
"S" endorsement to an applicant who would qualify for a reduced disqualification7
period pursuant to R.S. 32:414.2(E)(2).8
* * *9
§414.2. Commercial motor vehicle drivers; disqualification; issuance of Class "D"10
or "E" license; alcohol content in breath and blood; implied consent11
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E.13
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(2) The disqualification period imposed by this Subsection may be reduced15
Upon application of the driver, the department may reinstate his school bus driving16
privileges if the driver he meets all the following conditions:17
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(c) The driver has successfully completed medical treatment or medically19
approved group therapy or special education courses for or about the disease of20
alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse, in a suitable public or private institution21
or program approved by the appropriate state authority following the disqualifying22
offense or refusal.23
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HB NO. 507
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Landry HB No. 507
Abstract: Prohibits DPS&C from issuing an "S" endorsement to certain persons and
provides for modifications in mechanism by which persons can qualify for an "S"
endorsement after disqualification period.
Present law provides that an "S" endorsement may be issued to an applicant who would
have been disqualified from driving a school bus for certain convictions or violations
relating to driving under the influence had he had an "S" endorsement at the time of the
conviction or violation.
Proposed law provides an applicant shall not be issued an "S" endorsement if he has certain
convictions or violations relating to driving under the influence prior to the date of
application for the "S" endorsement.
Present law reduces disqualification period after, among other conditions, completing
medical treatment or medically approved group therapy or special education courses for or
about the disease of alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse.
Proposed law clarifies that the treatment or group therapy required by present law must be
completed after the disqualifying offense.
(Amends R.S. 32:408(B)(3)(f) and 414.2(E)(2)(intro. para.) and (c))