SB 0661 Summary

• Modifies school bus specifications including floor construction requirements, door mechanisms, and emergency exit locking systems that must be integrated with ignition systems and include audible alarms.

• Removes prohibition on radio speakers near the driver and eliminates exception allowing buses leased seasonally for agricultural workers to use school bus paint colors and design.

• Requires school bus drivers to possess valid chauffeur's license with appropriate endorsements and prohibits drivers with 7 or more penalty points for moving violations or restricted licenses from operating school buses.

• Mandates commercial driver license skills tests for school bus drivers with prior license suspensions, disqualifications, serious traffic violations, or related convictions; requires drivers to complete entry-level safety education course within 90 days and continuing education every 2 years.

• Changes school bus stop light procedures to activate hazard warning lights (instead of red/amber lights) at stops where pupils don't cross roadways on roads with speed limits of 50 miles per hour or less, if school administrator approves the use.