Senate Bill No. 416, introduced by Senator Bouie, amends existing law regarding the operation of school buses that transport public school students. The bill mandates that each public city, parish, and local school board must provide a bus monitor, who may be a disciplinarian or other school administrator, to ride on school buses transporting students to and from school. This requirement is specifically triggered when a disturbance occurs on the bus, which is defined to include actions such as engaging in fights, using offensive language, appearing intoxicated, or any violent behavior involving three or more individuals. The bus monitor is required to remain on the bus for the remainder of the school year following such an incident.

The bill retains the current law that requires local school boards to provide free transportation for students living more than one mile from school, while also extending the provisions to nonpublic schools when transportation is provided by local public school boards. The effective date of the bill is contingent upon the governor's signature or the expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature. The amendments adopted during the legislative process clarify the role of the bus monitor and the circumstances under which they are required, ensuring enhanced safety for students during transportation.

Statutes affected:
SB416 Original: 17:158(K)
SB416 Engrossed: 17:158(K)
SB416 Reengrossed: 17:158(K)