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House approves bill requiring districts to use buses that meet federal safety standards
Summary
House Bill 85, which requires school districts and private schools to use vehicles meeting federal school-bus safety standards for student transport beginning July 1, 2003, passed the House, 41-30. Sponsor Rep. Neil B. Hendrickson said the measure mirrors federal rules and allows time for attrition.
Representative Neil B. Hendrickson, who declared a personal conflict as a school bus driver, introduced HB 85 and said the bill would prohibit districts and private schools from using vehicles with seating capacity of 11 or more (including driver) for student transport unless the vehicle meets federal school-bus safety standards starting July 1, 2003. He said the change mirrors federal regulation and allows replacement through attrition.
Members asked whether parental private vehicles would be affected; Hendrickson clarified the restriction is targeted at vehicles purchased for exclusive school use and would not apply to private family vehicles. Supporters noted recent accidents and safety concerns; sponsors emphasized professional drivers and tested construction of school buses.
After debate and clarifications about the federal standards and timeline, the House passed HB 85 by a vote of 41-30 and referred the bill to the Senate.
