Committee clears bill setting safety requirements if schools use ride‑sharing companies for student transport

Senate Bill 160, introduced by Senator Kathy, would permit local school districts to contract with transportation network companies to transport students to and from school or school‑related activities if the companies meet specific safety and screening requirements. Senator Kathy described the bill as permissive: districts may use such providers but are not required to do so. The draft requires drivers to be at least 21, hold a valid license with three years’ driving experience, pass FBI and state background checks and child‑abuse screening, receive CPR and child‑safety certification, and have vehicles inspected annually. The bill also requires drivers to perform daily pre‑trip inspections.

School superintendents and district representatives noted some districts already contract with private providers for trips and extracurricular transportation and raised legacy concerns, such as retirement and pension impacts if districts privatize routes. Michael Falk, executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, said some districts privatize services and that legacy costs can be a factor in the decision. Senator Kathy said the bill simply sets safety minimums and echoed examples from other states and private programs that use vetted adult volunteers and retired educators.

The committee reported SB 160 favorably. Proponents said the bill gives districts an additional safe option to meet transportation needs while codifying driver screening and vehicle safety practices; supporters included district leaders and nonprofit groups that operate vetted student transportation services.

What’s next: SB 160 was reported favorably and will advance for floor consideration; if enacted, local districts would be authorized to contract with companies that meet the statutory safety standards, and the Department of Education would play a role in implementation oversight as districts adopt the option.