This bill mandates that all school bus drivers, including those employed by boards of education and private or parochial schools, undergo mental health evaluations in addition to existing medical requirements. Specifically, the bill introduces a new requirement for a mental health evaluation conducted by a State-licensed mental health professional, which must be completed prior to employment and upon renewal of a school bus driver's license. The evaluation will assess the driver's moral fitness and any potential deviant social behavior, as determined by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

In terms of existing requirements, the bill retains the necessity for school bus drivers to undergo medical exams for the presence of alcohol, narcotics, or habit-forming drugs, as well as hearing and visual acuity tests in accordance with federal regulations. The inclusion of mental health evaluations aims to enhance the safety and well-being of students during transportation by ensuring that drivers are not only physically fit but also mentally sound.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:3-10.1