This bill amends New Jersey's school zone laws to clarify the definition of "school bus" for the purpose of enhancing penalties related to drug offenses committed in school zones. The new legal language specifies that a school bus includes any bus owned and operated by a board of education or a private contractor, specifically for transporting students to and from school or school-related activities, such as field trips and athletic events. This clarification aims to ensure that the upgraded penalties for drug-related offenses apply to all relevant school buses, thereby reinforcing the protection of students in these environments.

The bill was introduced in response to a specific incident where a school bus driver was arrested for smoking marijuana while driving a school bus during a field trip. By explicitly including all buses used for educational purposes in the definition of a school bus, the legislation seeks to deter drug-related activities in and around school transportation, thereby enhancing the safety and well-being of students. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:35-7