This bill enhances the safety protocols for school buses transporting students with disabilities by mandating that personnel must call 911 in the event of a potential life-threatening emergency. It introduces the definition of "potential life-threatening emergency" and requires that school bus personnel report any 911 calls to the Office of Special Education while maintaining records of such calls. Additionally, the bill expands training requirements for all school bus drivers and aides, ensuring they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. It also establishes a safety education program to be administered twice a year and allows parents or guardians to file complaints regarding violations of the emergency call requirement, with specified civil penalties for non-compliance.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws to require that school buses transporting students with disabilities be equipped with safety features such as video cameras, GPS, and two-way communication equipment, with a mandate to retain video footage and GPS data for at least 180 days. It introduces new enforcement provisions, allowing the chief administrator to waive notice requirements and issue summonses for violations of the School Bus Enhanced Safety Inspection Act. The bill clarifies that fines can be collected through the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999 and establishes jurisdiction for enforcement in appropriate courts, emphasizing accountability and compliance with safety regulations.

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