Clarifies that school bus for purpose of upgraded penalties in "school zone" criminal drug laws includes any bus owned and operated by board of education or by private contractor.

This bill clarifies that "school bus" under New Jersey's drug laws includes buses operated by private contractors, not just those owned by school boards. It directly affects individuals convicted of distributing or possessing drugs near school buses (including contractor-operated ones), as it ensures enhanced penalties apply in these cases. The key provision expands the definition in existing law (N.J.S.2C:35-7) to cover all school transportation vehicles used for student transport, regardless of ownership. This change ensures consistent application of stricter penalties for drug offenses occurring near school buses, without altering the penalty levels themselves.