This bill clarifies the law governing school bus operator endorsements. It provides that the endorsement is contingent on the applicant meeting certain federal requirements only if there is no waiver of those requirements in place. It also clarifies that the requirement that the applicant pass an examination of the person's ability to operate a vehicle of comparable type to a school bus does not include an ability to operate a combination vehicle consisting of a truck tractor and semitrailer. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to seek from the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration a waiver of the engine compartment component of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills testing requirement in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.113(a)(1)(i), known as "the under-the-hood" component, for commercial driver's license applicants seeking the school bus and passenger endorsements, as well as a waiver of the requirement in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.133(c)(1) that the State administer this portion of the pre-trip
44 vehicle inspection skills test in accordance with a Federal Motor Carrier Safety
45 Administration pre-approved examiner manual. The Secretary of State may seek additional
46 waivers of requirements that the Secretary of State determines are unnecessary for
47 operation of a school bus in this State. The Secretary of State is directed to report to the
48 Joint Standing Committee on Transportation by December 3, 2025 on the progress in
49 obtaining the waivers, as well as any related changes in federal law or regulations that may
50 be pending or have taken place.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 433, HP 287: 29-A.2303