Education (School Transportation)

S 115 creates a three-year pilot program in Ocean County to transfer responsibility for nonpublic school student transportation from school districts to a local consortium of nonpublic schools. The program provides funding directly to this consortium (at $1,000 per student) to cover required transportation for pupils attending participating nonpublic schools, replacing the school districts' obligation under existing law. If transportation costs exceed the $1,000 amount, parents receive the difference directly from the consortium. School districts in Ocean County may no longer offer "courtesy busing" to students in the consortium, and any unspent funds must be refunded to the state. This applies only to Ocean County nonpublic schools currently requiring district-provided transportation.

This New Jersey bill suspends school bus driving endorsements for one year if a driver accumulates four or more traffic violation points from convictions (including out-of-state violations). It directly affects school bus drivers and applicants who have four or more current points under the state's point system. The Motor Vehicle Commission must notify the Education Commissioner, who then informs the school district or contractor employing the driver. To regain an endorsement after suspension, drivers must pass both a knowledge test and skills test. The bill lowers the point threshold for suspension from the current 12 points to 4 points.

This New Jersey bill (S 155) allows school bus drivers to administer epinephrine to students experiencing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) under specific conditions. It requires parental written consent, a doctor’s order confirming the student’s need for epinephrine, and that the parent provides a current epinephrine auto-injector for the school bus. School bus drivers must complete mandatory training, and the school district must provide liability protections to drivers and contractors. The policy applies only to students with documented severe allergies who have been authorized by their parents and doctors.

This bill requires school bus drivers, aides, and personnel to call 911 during potential life-threatening emergencies involving students. It also mandates that school buses transporting students with disabilities be equipped with specific safety features (though the exact features are not detailed in the provided text). The bill updates training requirements to include recognizing life-threatening emergencies and proper procedures for students with disabilities, requiring twice-yearly training and certification for all personnel. These changes apply to school bus contractors and school districts in New Jersey, with implementation tied to a pending training program update. The bill includes funding (an appropriation) for these requirements.