HB 356 Summary

• Establishes the Lieutenant Dexter Holcomb Act requiring school bus drivers to successfully complete a physical examination by a licensed physician before employment.

• Local boards of education cannot hire or employ school bus drivers unless they meet 13 specific physical and mental health qualification standards, including limb function, cardiovascular health, respiratory function, vision (20/40 or better), and hearing (not greater than 40 decibels average loss).

• Newly hired drivers must pass a physical examination at their own expense before operating a school bus; existing drivers employed on the act's effective date must pass an examination within three months and then at least every two years thereafter.

• Drivers holding a valid Alabama school bus driver certificate on the effective date may be grandfathered in for any disqualifying condition if a licensed physician certifies the condition will not affect their driving ability and submits a signed written waiver.

• Results of physical examinations must be documented on State Department of Education forms and maintained in the department's central office.