This bill amends the existing law regarding school bus driver's certificates by introducing an alternative pathway for certification. Specifically, it allows individuals who are currently certified as school bus drivers in jurisdictions deemed acceptable by the director of the division of motor vehicles to obtain a special school bus driver's certificate in New Hampshire. The bill inserts new provisions that require the owner of any school bus or transportation service to submit a list of drivers to local authorities for a background check, and it specifies that no person may drive a school bus unless they have passed a special examination or provided proof of certification from a qualifying jurisdiction.

Additionally, the bill includes definitions for "qualifying jurisdiction" and "state," clarifying that the director will evaluate the standards of other states to determine if they meet or exceed New Hampshire's requirements. The language also specifies that the director has the authority to revoke the special school bus driver's certificate for valid reasons. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage, which is August 18, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 263:29
As Amended by the Senate: 263:29
Version adopted by both bodies: 263:29
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 263:29
HB1758 text: 263:29