New Jersey Assembly Bill A5142

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/16/24
• Refer: 12/16/24

Caption

Requires school bus personnel members working with students with disabilities to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires school buses transporting students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features.

Impact

The provisions of A5142 will significantly affect existing regulations surrounding the training and accountability of school bus operators. By stipulating that all school bus personnel, including aides and contractors, must undergo comprehensive safety training tailored to the unique needs of students with disabilities, the legislation seeks to enhance responsiveness during emergencies. Failure to comply with the established training mandates will result in penalties, reinforcing the obligation for school boards to ensure proper training and preparedness.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5142 aims to enhance the safety of school buses transporting students with disabilities by instating mandatory protocols in the case of potential life-threatening emergencies. The bill specifies that all personnel responsible for the safety of students on these buses must directly call the 911 emergency services when such situations arise. Additionally, these calls must be reported to the Office of Special Education under the Department of Education, which is charged with keeping a record of these emergency calls.

Contention

While the bill represents a proactive approach to student safety, it has also sparked discussions about the practicality and implications of its enforcement. Concerns have been raised regarding the operational challenges school bus contractors may face in ensuring all personnel are adequately trained. Furthermore, there are apprehensions about the potential administrative burden imposed on school districts in tracking compliance with training requirements. The financial implications of retrofitting school buses to meet the new equipment standards, such as the installation of video cameras and GPS systems, may also be contentious points among stakeholders.