The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Cheryl Serrett.
DIGEST
SB 57 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session McMath
Present law provides a schedule of compensation rates to be paid to school bus operators for the
transportation of public school students. Provides for varying rates based on distance traveled and
length of bus. Specifies that the compensation shall be paid for a minimum of 180 days during a
nine-month school year and for the number of days of actual operation of a summer semester.
Proposed law changes the operational pay rate to a minimum of $1.4683 per mile of paid mileage
for school buses with capacities of 48 or fewer passengers and a minimum of $1.756 per mile of paid
mileage for school buses with capacities greater than 48 passengers.
Proposed law provides that, for buses equipped with lift mechanisms and mobility device securement
systems, the manufacturer's rated capacity shall be determined by the rated capacity of a bus of equal
length that is designed to transport only ambulatory passengers.
Proposed law clarifies operators shall be paid for the number of days of actual operation but not less
than 180 days during the school year calendar, as adopted by the public school governing authority,
and the number of days of actual operation during a summer semester.
Present law provides the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) shall establish
a uniform method for computing bus length.
Proposed law deletes the provisions relative to BESE.
Proposed law defines "paid mileage" as the distance of a bus route beginning when the first student
is picked up and ending when the bus reaches the final student discharge destination or school on
both morning and afternoon routes.
Proposed law requires a public school governing authority to establish supplemental payments for
a school bus operator who is required to purchase certain equipment or supplies related to
transporting students with disabilities or air conditioning equipment.
Proposed law requires the new compensation rates to be implemented beginning with the 2022-2023
school year.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:497) Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Makes technical changes.