The bill amends Section 1 of P.L.1981, c.51 (C.18A:39-20.1) to allow boards of education, governing bodies of nonpublic schools, or State agencies to authorize qualified personnel, State employees, or parents to transport school children in private vehicles with a capacity of eight or fewer. The designated personnel must meet specific criteria, including being at least 21 years old, holding a valid New Jersey driver's license for at least three years, completing a physical examination, passing a criminal history background check, and having a clean driving record for the past five years. Additionally, they must complete a training program on interacting with students with special needs. The bill also stipulates that these designated drivers are not required to be licensed as school bus drivers and that the transportation is exempt from typical school bus regulations.
Furthermore, the bill allows certified mobility assistance vehicle technicians to transport students with medical needs in mobility assistance vehicles without being licensed as school bus drivers. Similar to the designated personnel, these technicians must provide a criminal history background check and evidence of their driving record prior to transporting students. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining updated records and compliance with the outlined requirements, with consequences for failure to do so, including removal from the list of designated drivers. The act is set to take effect at the beginning of the first full school year following its enactment, with provisions for anticipatory administrative actions by the Commissioner of Education.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 2C:40-26.1, 18A:39-19.5, 18A:39-29, 18A:39-30, 39:3-10.1
Advance Law: 2C:40-26.1, 18A:39-19.5, 18A:39-29, 18A:39-30, 39:3-10.1
Pamphlet Law: 18A:39-20.1