Sponsors: Senators Anthony R. Bucco (R25) and Robert W. Singer (R-30)

Summary: Requires training for school bus drivers and aides involved in transporting pupils with disabilities; directs Legislature to appropriate necessary funding.

Comments: This bill provides that the Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education and the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, develop and approve training materials for school bus drivers and aides who transport pupils with mobility impairments. School bus drivers and aides will receive training in areas relating to the proper securing of mobility devices and the safe operation and inspection of lifts and other adaptive equipment used in transporting pupils with mobility impairments. This bill also enhances the annual school bus inspection program to include observation of these practices to ensure compliance with the requirements of this bill. The sponsors may wish to expand the bill to also provide for training in the care and transportation of pupils with other disabilities who would also benefit from having bus drivers and aides with special knowledge of their needs and conditions.

Legislative Activity: 1/24/02 Introduced and referred to Senate Education Committee