This bill enhances the safety protocols for school buses transporting students with disabilities by mandating that these buses be equipped with specific safety features, including an interior video camera, GPS for real-time tracking, and two-way communication devices. It requires school bus personnel to call 911 in the event of a potential life-threatening emergency and report the incident to the Office of Special Education. The bill also expands training requirements to include all personnel responsible for student safety, ensuring they are well-versed in emergency procedures and the use of adaptive equipment.

Additionally, the legislation introduces penalties for school bus personnel who fail to comply with the emergency notification requirements, with fines increasing for repeated offenses. The Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Commission, is tasked with developing regulations for the installation and use of the mandated safety equipment. The bill stipulates that any video footage and GPS data collected must be retained for at least 180 days, and it establishes enforcement measures allowing the chief administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue summonses for violations. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect immediately, with certain sections commencing in the first full fiscal year following enactment.

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