The bill amends Section 31-10-5 of the General Laws regarding operators' and chauffeurs' licenses, specifically addressing special restrictions for drivers for compensation. It establishes that individuals under the age of twenty-one cannot drive school buses or vehicles used for compensated transportation unless they hold a valid chauffeur's license. The bill mandates that applicants seeking a chauffeur's license to drive school buses must complete a ten-hour training course, which can be abbreviated for those holding a valid commercial driver's license. Additionally, it requires a three-hour annual retraining course for all renewal applicants.

The bill introduces a new section, 31-10-5.2, which allows residents of states bordering Rhode Island 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 applicant must complete the required training course to obtain a full school bus certificate. The bill specifies that temporary school bus driver licenses cannot be used to influence or interfere with active labor disputes, including strikes or work stoppages. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the training and certification process for school bus drivers while accommodating out-of-state applicants.

Statutes affected:
5882: 31-10-5
5882  SUB A: 31-10-5