PUPIL TRANSPORTATION ACT UPDATE H.B. 5494 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5494 (Substitute S-1 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)
Sponsor: Representative Phillip Pavlov
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Pupil Transportation Act to revise school bus regulations and replace certain regulations with Federal requirements. Specifically, the bill would do the following:
-- Eliminate the definition of "pupil transportation vehicle", redefine "school bus", and delete various references to pupil transportation vehicles.
-- Prohibit a school from directly operating a motor bus for, and a motor carrier from using a motor bus for, pupil transportation.
-- Require a motor bus built to school bus specifications that complied with the applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards to comply with the Act's requirements.
-- Increase the maximum allowable size of a school bus.
-- Revise regulations regarding school bus inspections.
-- Repeal a section requiring the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to administer an on-road driver skills test to each school bus driver.
-- Revise specifications for school bus floors, windshields, mirrors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and markings.
-- Repeal a section requiring a school to report to the MDE school bus fires and accidents; and requiring the MDE to provide recommendations for change to each school.
The bill would take effect on August 15, 2006. It is tie-barred to Senate Bill 932, which would make amendments to the Act pertaining to school bus driver indorsements and testing, educational requirements for a person in charge of a school's bus operations, and violations of the Act.
MCL 257.1805 et al. Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
Since the bill would update the Pupil Transportation Act to reflect existing Federal requirements and current State practices, there is no anticipated fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 3-2-06 Fiscal Analyst: Kathryn Summers-Coty
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. hb5494/0506