The bill, S.B. No. 159, mandates the establishment of an education and training program for public transportation vehicle operators to better support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder. This program is specifically required for authorities created before 1980 in municipalities with populations under 1.9 million. The training must cover how to identify and communicate with these individuals and assist them in safely entering and exiting public transportation vehicles.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that no employee may operate a public transportation vehicle unless they have completed the training program. The rapid transit authority is required to implement this training program by March 1, 2026. The act will generally take effect on September 1, 2025, with the specific training requirement taking effect a year later, on September 1, 2026.

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