This bill mandates that the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team consider the specific transportation needs of students with disabilities when developing their IEPs. It emphasizes the importance of assessing factors such as medical, behavioral, communication, and adaptive equipment needs, and whether specialized transportation services are necessary. Additionally, the bill requires the inclusion of the school district's director of transportation in the IEP team meetings, ensuring their presence unless excused by the parent or guardian or if the student does not require transportation services.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for creating a student information card, which contains essential information for school bus personnel to ensure the safe transportation and interaction with students with special needs. The IEP team, in collaboration with the student's parent or guardian, is responsible for completing this card, which must be kept with the IEP and on the school bus in an accessible location. Upon obtaining consent from the parent or guardian, the school district is required to distribute copies of the completed student information card to all relevant school bus personnel and any contracted transportation providers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:39-19.4