CA SB88

Establishes uniform safety and qualification requirements for all compensated drivers providing school-related pupil transportation, including employees, contractors, and drivers employed by entities funded by local educational agencies, effective July 1, 2025.

Requires drivers of vehicles with 10 or fewer passengers to hold a valid driver's license, pass criminal background checks, maintain satisfactory driving records, complete medical examinations every two years (annually after age 65), submit tuberculosis risk assessments, and obtain first aid certification.

Requires drivers of vehicles with more than 10 passengers to hold a California commercial driver's license endorsed for passenger transportation and comply with additional safety requirements comparable to schoolbus drivers.

Mandates local educational agencies contracting with private entities to obtain written attestations that contractors maintain compliance with applicable labor and employment laws and that all drivers meet specified qualifications, with provisions allowing third parties to report violations.

Exempts certain entities (public transit systems, county agencies, tribal authorities, foster agencies) and scenarios (emergency transportation, field trips over 200 miles, Foster Youth Services programs) from the new requirements; allows exceptions for existing contracts until January 1, 2024 or upon renewal.