New Jersey Senate Bill S2152

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Authorizes certain individuals to drive Type S school buses.

Impact

The bill mandates that school boards or contractors who employ drivers without a valid school bus endorsement must provide necessary training before those drivers can operate a Type S school bus. This includes safety education and procedures for interacting with students with special needs. Additionally, specific provisions are included for the severe penalties against drivers who operate under revoked or suspended privileges, which enhances safety measures for pupils being transported.

Summary

Senate Bill S2152 aims to modify the requirements for individuals who drive Type S school buses, which are designated for the transportation of students. Under this bill, holders of valid non-commercial basic driver's licenses who complete specific training can operate a Type S school bus without needing to obtain a commercial driver license or additional endorsements. This change is designed to simplify the qualification process for school bus drivers, potentially increasing the pool of eligible drivers for school transportation services in New Jersey.

Contention

While supporters argue that S2152 would enhance flexibility in school transportation by allowing more drivers to qualify, critics may raise concerns regarding the potential implications for student safety. The bill includes strict penalties for violations, such as permanent bans for drivers leaving students unattended on buses, which aims to address safety concerns head-on. However, there may be apprehensions about whether the training requirements sufficiently prepare non-professional drivers to handle the unique challenges of transporting children.