The bill amends Section 321.376 of the Iowa Code to update the requirements for school bus drivers regarding approved courses of instruction. It stipulates that individuals applying for or currently employed as school bus drivers must complete a course approved by the Department of Education (DOE) within the first six months of employment. Additionally, the bill allows the DOE to accept proof of completion of entry-level driver training (ELDT) as fulfilling the course requirement, provided that the training meets specific federal standards and includes relevant passenger and school bus endorsement curricula.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that school bus drivers must complete an approved course of instruction at least every 24 months. If a driver fails to provide proof of completion, their authorization to operate a school bus will be revoked, and the DOE will notify both the driver and their employer. The bill also grants the DOE the authority to establish rules for entry-level driver training providers to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the training standards for school bus drivers while aligning state requirements with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.376