New Jersey Senate Bill S1718

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Requires school bus contractor to provide information to board of education on results of criminal background checks of all school bus drivers assigned routes in district pursuant to contract.

Impact

The implications of S1718 are significant for both school districts and contractors involved in student transportation. By imposing additional compliance measures, the bill emphasizes the importance of safety in school transport sectors. It ensures that school boards have access to validated information regarding any criminal history of the employed drivers. This not only helps in safeguarding the interests of children using school transportation but also holds contractors accountable for hiring practices, thereby reinforcing overall operational standards within the education system.

Summary

Senate Bill 1718 (S1718) introduced in New Jersey mandates that school bus contractors provide comprehensive information regarding the criminal background checks of all school bus drivers assigned to routes in cooperation with local boards of education. Specifically, the bill amends N.J.S.18A:39-18 to require the contractors to submit a criminal background check certification letter from the state for every bus driver before the academic year begins. This new requirement aims to enhance the safety and security of students by ensuring that all personnel responsible for their transportation meet stringent criminal background verification standards.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a step toward enhancing the safety of school transportation, potential points of contention may arise regarding the administrative burden placed on school bus contractors. Some may argue that the additional documentation requirements could complicate the hiring process or delay the initiation of transportation services at the start of the school year. There might also be concerns about the implications for privacy and the extent to which criminal background checks are utilized, particularly for drivers who may have rehabilitated since their convictions.