This bill aims to enhance the safety and emergency preparedness of school transportation for students with disabilities by mandating that school bus personnel call 911 in life-threatening emergencies and ensuring that school buses are equipped with specific safety features. These features include an interior video camera, a global positioning system (GPS) for real-time tracking, and two-way communication equipment. The bill also requires that any video footage and GPS data collected be retained for a minimum of 180 days. Additionally, it introduces new training requirements for all school bus personnel, which will be administered twice a year, focusing on recognizing signs of potential emergencies and proper interaction with students with disabilities.

Moreover, the bill outlines the responsibilities of employers, such as boards of education and contractors, to ensure that all personnel receive necessary training and certification. It establishes a complaint process for parents or guardians to report violations of emergency procedures and specifies civil penalties for non-compliance, which increase with repeated offenses. The legislation also includes enforcement measures, allowing the chief administrator to waive notice requirements under certain conditions and to issue summonses for violations. Overall, the bill seeks to create a safer environment for students with disabilities during transportation by implementing strict protocols and accountability measures for school bus personnel.

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