New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A490

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Disqualifies person with certain number of motor vehicle points from operating school bus for certain period of time.

Impact

If enacted, A490 will amend existing statutes related to school bus driver endorsements by integrating stricter measures for driver accountability. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will be responsible for suspending a school bus endorsement following the accumulation of the specified motor vehicle points. Furthermore, the Commissioner of Education will be mandated to notify the relevant educational authorities about any suspension, ensuring that schools are informed promptly about driver eligibility statuses. This measure is anticipated to raise the standard of safety in student transportation across the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A490 proposes significant changes to the laws governing school bus drivers in New Jersey. The legislation aims to disqualify individuals from obtaining or maintaining a school bus endorsement for a period of one year if they accumulate four or more motor vehicle points due to violations of state or jurisdictional motor vehicle laws. This bill emphasizes the importance of safety for students transported by school buses, reflecting a proactive approach to ensuring that only qualified drivers are operating these vehicles.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise with the implications of this bill, particularly concerning the balance between regulatory enforcement and driver rights. Advocates for the bill argue that it is essential for maintaining high safety standards for school buses, as too many infractions could endanger the safety of children. However, opponents may question whether the motor vehicle points threshold is appropriate, arguing that it could disproportionately affect drivers who may have minor infractions while still being capable of safely operating a school bus.

Companion Bills

NJ S3137

Same As Disqualifies person with certain number of motor vehicle points from operating school bus for certain period of time.

NJ A1211

Carry Over Disqualifies person with certain number of motor vehicle points from operating school bus for certain period of time.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1211

Disqualifies person with certain number of motor vehicle points from operating school bus for certain period of time.

NJ S3137

Disqualifies person with certain number of motor vehicle points from operating school bus for certain period of time.

NJ S1682

Permits certain persons to drive Type S school buses.

NJ A2180

Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses.

NJ A4835

Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses.

NJ S3203

Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses.

NJ S3000

Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses.

NJ HB2177

Motor vehicles; providing lifetime disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicles for certain felony conviction; effective date.

NJ S356

Provides for lifetime disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicle and transportation network company vehicle for persons convicted of human trafficking.

NJ A3089

Provides for lifetime disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicle and transportation network company vehicle for persons convicted of human trafficking.

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