This bill mandates that all school bus drivers, employed by boards of education or private and parochial schools, undergo mental health evaluations in addition to existing medical requirements. Specifically, it amends Section 2 of P.L.1975, c.284 (C.39:3-10.1a) to include a new requirement for a mental health evaluation conducted by a State-licensed mental health professional. This evaluation must be completed prior to employment and upon renewal of a school bus driver's license. The assessment will focus on the individual's moral fitness and any signs of deviant social behavior, as determined by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

The bill also retains existing requirements for school bus drivers, which include medical exams for the presence of alcohol and drugs, as well as hearing and visual acuity tests in accordance with federal regulations. The introduction of the mental health evaluation aims to enhance the safety and well-being of students transported by school buses, ensuring that drivers are not only physically fit but also mentally prepared for the responsibilities of their role.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:3-10.1