This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to authorize public transit operators to conduct third-party testing for school bus drivers. It introduces new definitions for "school bus service" and "transit operator" in section 171.01, clarifying that school bus service includes transportation provided to students via both school buses and public transit. Additionally, it allows school districts and school bus companies that are third-party testing programs to enter into agreements with other school districts, school bus companies, and transit operators to test their respective drivers.

The bill also specifies that any agreements made for third-party testing must be submitted to the commissioner for approval and mandates that a certified third-party tester be employed by the school district or school bus company providing the testing services. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, applying to agreements entered into on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 171.01, 171.3213