The bill amends Section 31-10-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-10, which pertains to operators' and chauffeurs' licenses, by introducing new provisions regarding special restrictions for drivers for compensation. It stipulates that individuals under the age of twenty-one are prohibited from driving school buses or vehicles used for compensated transportation unless they hold a valid chauffeur's license. Additionally, it outlines the requirements for obtaining such a license, including a minimum of one year of driving experience, character references, and successful completion of a training course, written examination, and driving test.

Notably, the bill includes new provisions that exempt current school bus drivers from Massachusetts and Connecticut who possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in good standing from the licensing requirements in Rhode Island. These drivers can obtain a chauffeur's license to transport school children in Rhode Island without having to meet the usual requirements outlined in the chapter. Furthermore, the bill mandates that licenses issued under these new provisions must comply with any additional requirements set by the director and adhere to the provisions of § 31-10-5.1 after the first year of employment in Rhode Island. The act will take effect upon passage.