Senate Bill No. 416, introduced by Senator Bouie, amends existing law regarding the transportation of public school students by school buses. The bill mandates that each public city, parish, and local school board that provides free transportation must also assign a bus monitor, who may be a disciplinarian or other school administrator, to ride on the bus. 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 provisions that require school boards to provide free transportation for students living more than one mile from school, while also extending the safety measures to enhance student protection during transit. 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.

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