The bill authorizes public transit operators to conduct third-party testing for school bus drivers, amending Minnesota Statutes 2024. It introduces new definitions for "school bus service" and "transit operator," clarifying that school bus service includes transportation for students using either school buses or public transit. Additionally, the bill allows school districts and school bus companies that are part of a third-party testing program to enter agreements with other school districts, school bus companies, and transit operators to test their drivers.

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

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 171.01, 171.3213