This bill allows individuals holding a Type S school bus certificate to operate Type S school buses for transporting children to and from school without needing a commercial driver license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. To qualify for the Type S school bus certificate, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being at least 21 years old, holding a valid basic driver's license for three years, passing a physical and eye examination, and completing a training program on interacting with students with special needs. The bill also establishes penalties for operating a Type S school bus while driving privileges are suspended or revoked, with increased penalties for those involved in accidents resulting in bodily injury.

Additionally, the bill outlines disciplinary actions for Type S school bus drivers who leave students on the bus at the end of their route, including a six-month suspension for a first offense and permanent revocation for a second offense. If a student is harmed due to gross negligence, the driver's certificate will also be permanently revoked. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is tasked with suspending the Type S school bus certificate for drivers who accumulate a certain number of moving violations or penalty points. The bill further mandates that the Commissioner of Education be notified of any suspensions, ensuring that employers are informed and that drivers complete necessary training before reinstatement.

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