Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update various aspects related to school buses and their regulations. It addresses registration, safety, testing procedures, vehicle types that qualify for grants, and funding allocations. The key changes involve simplifying registration renewal periods for certain vehicles, adjusting penalties related to school bus stop violations, and modifying grant policies to incorporate more environmentally friendly buses.

Main Provisions

• Motor Vehicle Registration: The bill modifies the motor vehicle registration renewal period so that certain buses will now undergo registration every two years instead of annually. This includes a change in how these fees are structured based on the vehicle's weight and age.

• School Bus Safety Violations: It increases penalties for violations of the school bus stop-signal arm law, ensuring stricter enforcement to improve student safety.

• Annual Inspection Report: The legislation requires an annual school bus inspection report and specifies the contents required in this report to enhance transparency and accountability in school bus operations.

• Third-Party Testing Authorization: Public transit operators are authorized to perform third-party testing for school buses, which could streamline the certification process for bus drivers.

• Electric and Propane Bus Grants: The bill expands the existing grant programs to include both electric and propane buses, promoting the adoption of more environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation options for schools.

• Rulemaking and Reports: It mandates the creation of new rules and reports needed to support these changes, along with appropriating funds necessary for implementation.

Significant Changes

• Registration and Cost Structure: The bill changes the motor vehicle tax, implementing a biennial registration cycle and adjusting the tax scale based on vehicle weight, which could also influence operational costs for transportation services.

• Enforcement and Compliance: By increasing penalties for violations at school bus stops, the legislation significantly impacts compliance efforts related to student safety measures.

• Broader Grant Eligibility: Including propane buses alongside electric ones for grants, expands potential for schools to switch to more sustainable bus fleets.

Relevant Terms

motor vehicle registration, school bus stop-signal arm law, annual school bus inspection, public transit operators, third-party testing, electric buses, propane buses, grant programs, rulemaking, transportation safety.