This bill amends the requirements for school bus drivers in Iowa regarding the completion of approved courses of instruction. Under the new provisions, a school bus driver is only required to complete such a course if the employing school district mandates it. If a school district does require the course, the driver must complete it within the first six months of employment and every 24 months thereafter. Additionally, if a driver fails to provide proof of course completion, their authorization to operate a school bus will be revoked, and the employer must report this failure to the Department of Education.

Furthermore, the bill allows for a driver whose authorization has been revoked to regain it without completing the course if they are subsequently employed by a school district that does not require the course, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. This change aims to provide more flexibility for school bus drivers while maintaining safety standards as determined by individual school districts.