This bill mandates that all school buses transporting students with special needs be equipped with specific safety features, including an interior video camera, a global positioning system (GPS) for real-time location and speed tracking, and two-way communications equipment. It also emphasizes that school bus drivers must adhere to existing laws prohibiting the use of cellular or wireless phones while driving. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any video footage and GPS data collected will not be classified as government records, ensuring privacy and security for the students.

Furthermore, the State Board of Education, in collaboration with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, is tasked with developing regulations regarding the installation and use of these safety features, as well as guidelines for the retention of video footage. The bill was inspired by a distressing incident involving a non-verbal special needs student who experienced anxiety when her bus driver became lost, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar situations in the future. The act is set to take effect six months after its enactment, allowing for necessary administrative preparations.