Louisiana House Bill HB803

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/18
• Refer: 4/4/18
• Report Pass: 4/25/18
• Engrossed: 5/1/18
• Refer: 5/2/18
• Report Pass: 5/10/18
• Enrolled: 5/18/18
• Chaptered: 5/30/18
• Passed: 5/30/18

Caption

Requires public school boards to notify certain school bus operators of route vacancies by certified mail

Impact

The passage of HB 803 amends existing regulations pertaining to the filling of school bus route vacancies under R.S. 17:493.1. This adjustment not only reinforces the value of seniority among school bus personnel but also aims to streamline the notification process. By mandating that notifications be sent by mail, it creates a formal mechanism for communication, potentially reducing disputes about route assignments and improving transparency in the selection process for school bus routes.

Summary

House Bill 803 is legislation aimed at modifying the procedures by which public school boards in Louisiana handle vacancies for school bus routes. Specifically, the bill requires that when a vacancy arises, school bus operators who are tenured and possess the highest seniority must be notified by mail about the available route. This legislation is designed to ensure that senior operators have the first opportunity to fill new routes or routes that have become vacant, promoting security and continuity within the workforce of school bus drivers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 803 appears generally positive among stakeholders, particularly those involved with school transportation. The emphasis on seniority is viewed as a fair practice that respects the experience of long-serving bus operators. However, there may be mixed feelings regarding the administrative burden this bill could impose on school boards responsible for maintaining thorough notification records and ensuring timely communications.

Contention

While there is broad support for enhancing senior bus operators' rights, some contention may arise related to the feasibility of implementing these notification procedures. Concerns about the additional workload imposed on school boards and the potential impact on hiring practices for new bus operators might be points of discussion. Furthermore, stakeholders may debate the efficacy of mail as a communication method in the rapidly changing landscape of educational employment.