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Senate committee advances bill to tighten school‑bus safety rules for students with disabilities after family testimony
Summary
After testimony from the Rossi family and disability advocates about preventable deaths on school buses, the Senate Education Committee released S3858 to require training, 911 notification in life‑threatening emergencies and certain safety equipment on buses transporting students with disabilities. The bill is headed to budget consideration for funding details.
Chairman Gopal and the Senate Education Committee advanced Senate Bill 3858 on March 17 after emotional testimony from families and support from disability advocates and education groups.
The Rossi family told the panel that their 19‑year‑old son Matthew died on Feb. 10, 2023, after bus personnel failed to call for emergency help and did not communicate crucial facts to the family. “We said goodbye to our 19 year old son, Matthew, as he boarded his school bus, happy and healthy as ever,” a member of the Rossi family said, describing alleged neglect by the nurse, driver and bus aide. The family urged lawmakers to require clearer…
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