Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB394

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/29/25
• Refer: 8/29/25

Caption

Driver education instruction related to school bus safety.

Impact

If enacted, AB394 will have a significant impact on the current curriculum of driver education programs across Wisconsin. The bill specifically requires that courses offered by various educational bodies, including school districts, technical colleges, and private driving schools, include updated content on school bus safety. This move is seen as necessary to adapt to current traffic environments and highway considerations, which may differ significantly from past protocols regarding school bus operations and student safety.

Summary

Assembly Bill 394 seeks to enhance driver education with a specific focus on school bus safety. It mandates that all authorized driver education courses provide comprehensive instruction on critical topics such as the proper approach to student crosswalks, the operational signals of school buses, and the appropriate actions required when a school bus is stopped. This legislation aims to ensure that new drivers are well-prepared to recognize and react correctly to school bus situations, promoting greater safety for students when they are near or crossing roads.

Contention

While many support the intent behind AB394, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation of the bill. Critics may raise concerns about the additional requirements on educational institutions and driving schools, potentially increasing the burden of compliance. Others might question the effectiveness of such instruction and its actual impact on reducing accidents involving school buses. The conversation surrounding this bill underscores the ongoing debate about balancing legislative mandates with practical educational outcomes in driver safety programs.