This bill establishes regulations for the operation of Type S school buses, which are defined as motor vehicles used for transporting students to and from educational activities and have a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds or more, designed for a maximum of nine passengers excluding the driver. It allows individuals holding a Type S school bus certificate to operate these vehicles without needing a commercial driver license or additional endorsements, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements, including being at least 21 years old, holding a valid basic driver's license for three years, passing physical and eye examinations, and completing a training program for interacting with students with special needs.

The bill also outlines penalties for violations, such as operating a Type S school bus while driving privileges are suspended, which is classified as a fourth-degree crime, escalating to a third-degree crime if an accident occurs resulting in bodily injury. It mandates that a Type S school bus certificate can be suspended or revoked for leaving a pupil on the bus or for gross negligence leading to harm. Additionally, the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is tasked with suspending the Type S school bus certificate for certain motor vehicle violations, and the Commissioner of Education must notify the driver's employer of any suspensions. Before reinstatement of the certificate, drivers must complete a defensive driving course and a 10-hour training course.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:40-26.1, 18A:39-19.5, 18A:39-29, 18A:39-30, 39:3-10.1