This bill establishes new safety protocols for school buses transporting students with disabilities, mandating that personnel must call 911 in the event of a potential life-threatening emergency. It expands training requirements to include all school bus personnel, ensuring they are trained in emergency procedures, student management, and the use of adaptive equipment. The bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance with the emergency call requirement and outlines the responsibilities of school bus personnel in such situations. Additionally, it allows parents or guardians to file complaints regarding failure to make emergency calls, with potential civil penalties for violators.

Moreover, the bill requires that school buses transporting these students be equipped with specific safety features, including video cameras, GPS, and two-way communication equipment. It mandates the retention of video footage and GPS data for at least 180 days and assigns the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission the responsibility of inspecting this equipment during in-terminal inspections. The bill emphasizes accountability by requiring the maintenance of records related to emergency calls and training certifications, and it provides enforcement mechanisms, allowing the chief administrator to issue summonses and seek injunctive relief for violations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:39-19.1, 18A:39-19.2, 18A:39-19.3, 39:3B-20, 39:3B-21, 39:3B-22