SB20-052 Summary

• Creates the Smart School Bus Safety Pilot Program in the Department of Public Safety to increase student safety and school bus security through direct communication with first responders and silent duress alarms.

• Department shall enter agreement with a program administrator (public benefit corporation) to notify school districts, develop secure parental notification systems, recruit drivers, and develop funding sources for school transportation safety.

• Authorizes 3-year grants to school districts for hardware/software enabling buses to communicate with first responders by voice and silent duress alarm, equipment maintenance, driver training, and secure parental notifications at no cost to parents.

• General Assembly shall appropriate $6 million to the Department in state fiscal years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 to implement the pilot program.

• Program includes reporting requirements from school districts and program administrator; part expires and is repealed effective July 31, 2024.