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 transportation for compensation 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, with an abbreviated version available for those holding a valid commercial driver's license. Additionally, it requires a three-hour retraining course for all renewal applicants on at least a yearly basis.

The bill introduces a new section, 31-10-5.2, which allows individuals who are residents of states bordering Rhode Island and 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 or pupil transportation certificate. If the individual fails to complete the training or submit proof of completion within the 120-day period, the temporary school bus driver license will be canceled.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that temporary school bus driver licenses issued under this section 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