The bill amends Section 31-10-5 of the General Laws regarding operators' and chauffeurs' licenses, specifically focusing on the requirements for individuals seeking to drive school buses for compensation. It introduces a new section, 31-10-5.1, which mandates a ten-hour training course for new school bus drivers and a three-hour retraining course for renewal applicants on an annual basis. For applicants holding a valid commercial driver's license, the training course will be abbreviated to focus on specific Rhode Island requirements for school bus drivers.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section, 31-10-5.2, allowing residents of bordering states who possess a valid commercial driver's license and a school bus operator license from their state of residence to apply for a temporary school bus driver license in Rhode Island. This temporary license is valid for 120 days, during which the individual must complete the required training course to obtain a full school bus certificate. The bill also includes provisions stating that temporary school bus driver licenses shall not be used to influence or interfere with active labor disputes, including strikes or work stoppages. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the licensing process for school bus drivers while maintaining safety and training standards.

Statutes affected:
397: 31-10-5
397  SUB A: 31-10-5
397  SUB A as amended: 31-10-5