This bill amends Section 321.376 of the Iowa Code to update the requirements for school bus drivers regarding their training and certification. It stipulates that individuals applying for or currently employed as school bus drivers must complete a Department of Education (DOE) approved course of instruction within the first six months of employment and at least every 24 months thereafter. Notably, the bill allows the DOE to accept proof of completion of entry-level driver training (ELDT) as a valid substitute for the approved course, provided that the ELDT includes the necessary passenger and school bus endorsement training curriculum.

Additionally, the bill introduces a mechanism for enforcement, stating that if a driver fails to provide a certificate of completion for the required course, their employer must report this to the DOE, resulting in the revocation of the driver's authorization to operate a school bus. The DOE is then responsible for notifying both the employee and employer of the revocation, and the driver cannot be reauthorized until they complete the necessary training. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the certification process for school bus drivers while maintaining safety standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.376