CT HB05390

Requires school bus operator license applicants to submit to state and national criminal history records checks, completed within 60 days by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Requires school bus operator applicants to submit to checks of the state child abuse and neglect registry; Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may refuse to issue public passenger endorsement based on results.

Prohibits issuance of temporary operator's licenses bearing a public passenger endorsement for school bus or student transportation vehicle operation.

Allows school bus carriers to employ applicants for up to 90 days before Commissioner approval, provided the carrier conducts criminal history checks (including sexual offender registry and child abuse registry searches), verifies driving history, and confirms the applicant meets safety and training requirements.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.