TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris/Passaic, that would strengthen school bus safety requirements and emergency response procedures for students with disabilities has advanced in the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The bill, S-2456, would require school bus drivers and aides to call 911 in the event of a potential life-threatening emergency on a school bus and report the incident to the New Jersey Department of Education.
The legislation would also expand training requirements related to student safety and interactions with students with disabilities. In addition, certain school buses would be required to have interior cameras, real-time GPS tracking and two-way communication equipment.
“Parents deserve peace of mind knowing their children are safe while traveling to and from school but unfortunately, we have seen heartbreaking incidents in New Jersey where too many families have suffered because warning signs were missed or not handled correctly,” said Sen. Bucco. “This legislation makes it clear that emergencies on school buses must be treated seriously and that the adults responsible for students are prepared to respond when something goes wrong.”
The bill now advances for further consideration in the legislative process.
