NC H641

Extends school bus inspection intervals from every 30 days to every 42 days during the school year, with inspection reports filed to the superintendent and school principal.

Allows local boards of education to pay prospective school bus driver trainees using state transportation funds to improve trainee retention during the certification process.

Appropriates $19,170,070 in recurring general funds to the Department of Public Instruction for the 2017-2018 fiscal year to increase the maximum hourly rate for school bus drivers by $2.00 per hour using state funds.

Authorizes both paid and unpaid school bus driver trainees to operate vehicles under authorized supervision for licensure purposes.