81R14082 EAH-D By: Bonnen, Patrick, Laubenberg, et al. H.B. No. 374 Substitute the following for H.B. No. 374: By: Eissler C.S.H.B. No. 374 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to school bus emergency evacuation training. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 34.0021, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: (a) Pursuant to the safety standards established by the Department of Public Safety under Section 34.002, each school district may [shall] conduct a training session for students and teachers concerning procedures for evacuating a school bus during an emergency. (b) A school district that chooses to conduct a training session under Subsection (a) is encouraged to [shall] conduct the school bus emergency evacuation training session [at least twice each school year, with one training session occurring] in the fall of the school year [and one training session occurring in the spring]. The school district is also encouraged to structure the training session so that a [A] portion of the [training] session occurs [must occur] on a school bus and the [training] session lasts [must last] for at least one hour. (c-1) Immediately before each field trip involving transportation by school bus, a school district is encouraged to review school bus emergency evacuation procedures with the school bus passengers, including a demonstration of the school bus emergency exits and the safe manner to exit. SECTION 2. Sections 34.0021(d) and (e), Education Code, are repealed. SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.