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)]
HB 156 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Pugh
Abstract: Provides relative to regulations and standards for the construction, design, equipping, and
operation of school buses. Provides for the use of certain radio telecommunication devices
by school bus operators.
Present law requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to adopt
regulations for the construction, design, equipment, and operation of school buses. Provides that a
school bus that meets the latest revised minimum standards for school buses adopted and
recommended by certain national entities is in compliance with the BESE regulations. Proposed law
changes present law references to the national groups and associations that have adopted and
recommended the most recent revised minimum standards for school buses. Otherwise retains
present law.
Proposed law provides that BESE rules and regulations relative to school bus specifications and
inspection requirements, operational procedures, and school bus operator and bus attendant pre-
employment screening and training requirements apply to charter schools.
Present law prohibits a school bus operator from engaging in a call on a cellular radio
telecommunication device while driving a school bus. Provides exceptions in certain emergency
situations. Defines cellular radio telecommunication device. Specifies that citizens band radios and
citizens band radio hybrids are not cellular radio telecommunication devices. Proposed law adds that
a device with a push-to-talk function used in a similar manner as a citizens band radio or a citizens
band radio hybrid is not a cellular radio telecommunication device.
(Amends R.S. 17:164 and R.S. 32:289(B); Adds R.S. 17:3996(A)(18), (19), and (20))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Add that a device with a push-to-talk function is not a cellular radio telecommunication
device.
2. Make technical changes.