| Photo by Megan Lee on Unsplash
TRENTON, NJ—Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A2180 into law last week. The legislation aims to reduce New Jersey’s school bus shortage and allows certain school personnel to transport students. Assemblyman Bill Moen, Benjie E. Kimberly, and Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy sponsored it.
According to Moen, the bill ensures New Jersey students have reliable and safe transportation options. “Parents and caregivers depend on these transportation services to get children to and from school and school-related activities,” he said.
Moen added that “bus driver shortage has a ripple effect on their time management and their ability to get to their jobs on time. So, reducing this shortage will not just benefit the students directly, but communities as a whole.”
Under A2180, local school boards must submit a list of designated school personnel to the Executive County Superintendent. These school district employees would then be permitted to transport students using a private vehicle, provided they have a seating capacity of eight or fewer passengers. These drivers will be exempt from certain licensing and regulatory requirements, such as the need for a commercial driver’s license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement.
The legislation also establishes precise eligibility requirements for drivers. Designated personnel must be at least 21 years old and have a valid New Jersey driver’s license for at least three years. They must also pass a physical exam, undergo a criminal background check, and complete training on interacting with students with special needs.
“Every child deserves safe and dependable transportation, and this legislation helps make that a reality for families,” said assemblymember Murphy. “A2180 reflects a commitment to our schools. It is a practical solution that ensures that even in challenging circumstances, our students can get to school and participate in activities.”
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
