SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS S.B. 932 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 932 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Jason E. Allen
Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Pupil Transportation Act to revise school bus regulations and replace certain regulations with Federal requirements. Specifically, the bill would do the following:
-- Eliminate the definition of "pupil transportation vehicle", redefine "school bus", and delete various references to pupil transportation vehicles.
-- Prohibit a school from directly operating a motor bus for, and a motor carrier from using a motor bus for, pupil transportation.
-- Require a motor bus built to school bus specifications that complied with the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards to comply with the Act.
-- Increase the maximum allowable size of a school bus.
-- Revise regulations regarding school bus inspections.
-- Require a person to obtain a school bus indorsement under the Michigan Vehicle Code in order to operate a school bus.
-- Require a commercial driver license skills test to be administered to a school bus driver whose license was suspended, revoked, or canceled; who was disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle or school bus; or who had been convicted of specified traffic violations.
-- Repeal a section requiring the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to administer an on-road driver skills test to each school bus driver.
-- Revise the educational requirements for the person or people in charge of school bus operations at a school.
-- Revise specifications for school bus floors, windshields, mirrors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and markings.
-- Make a violation of the Act a State civil infraction rather than a misdemeanor.
-- Repeal a section requiring a school to report to the MDE school bus fires and accidents; and requiring the MDE to provide recommendations for change to each school.
MCL 257.1805 et al. Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
Since the bill would update the Pupil Transportation Act to reflect existing Federal requirements and current State practices, there is no anticipated fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 1-25-06 Fiscal Analyst: Kathryn Summers-Coty
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb932/0506