PUPIL TRANSPORTATION ACT                                                                        H.B. 6028:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 6028 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Gary Howell

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Senate Committee:  Transportation

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Pupil Transportation Act to do the following:

-- Delete a provision prohibiting a driver from being closer than three seat positions to radio speakers.

-- Revise a provision that allows a motor carrier certified by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) using a motor bus for school-related activities to be painted in the colors and design specified for a school bus.

-- Require the Superintendent of Public Instruction to approve all training programs a person in charge of school bus operations at a school must attend.

-- Require all training programs to be provided by an approved educational agency.

-- Revise a provision governing how a bus driver must receive or discharge pupils from the bus in a specific situation.

-- Allow a school bus to transport attendees, instead of members, of a nonprofit organization's activity, event, or outing.

MCL 257.1811 et al.                                                 Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have minimal to no fiscal impact on the Department of Education and local school districts. Requiring the Department to approve all school bus training programs would add minimal administrative expenses, which likely would be within current appropriations. Local school districts would experience minimal to no fiscal impact related to updating school bus policies and training. Also, school districts could generate additional revenue by allowing the use of school buses to transport all attendees of nonprofit organization activities, and collecting additional transportation fees.

Date Completed:  12-7-18                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Cory Savino

This 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.