Relating to the employment of school bus drivers who have completed a department of education approved course of instruction

Under current law, a driver of a school bus must hold a driver’s license issued by the department of transportation valid for the operation of a school bus and a certificate of qualification for operation of a commercial motor vehicle issued by a qualified medical professional. In addition, a person applying for employment as a school bus driver must successfully complete a department of education approved course of instruction for school bus drivers within the first 6 months of employment and at least every 24 months thereafter. This bill provides that a person who has successfully completed a department of education approved course of instruction for school bus drivers within the previous 24 months is not required to complete the course again if the person applies for employment as a school bus driver at a different school district, provided the person is otherwise eligible to be employed as a school bus driver and completes the course again within 24 months of the prior completion.