AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-41-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A SCHOOL BOARD MAY PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION FOR A STUDENT LIVING LESS THAN ONE MILE FROM THE SCHOOL WHEN A DEMONSTRABLE DANGER EXISTS TO THE SAFETY OF THE CHILD WALKING TO SCHOOL; TO AMEND SECTION 37-41-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM, AND TO PROVIDE THAT TEMPORARY OR EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION MAY ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT NORMALLY QUALIFY, WHEN AN IMMINENT OR NEWLY IDENTIFIED THREAT TO STUDENT SAFETY IS DOCUMENTED; TO AMEND SECTION 37-41-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW THAT SCHOOL BOARDS TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, OR OTHER AGENCIES TO MAKE SCHOOL BUSES AVAILABLE FOR USE IN DECLARED EMERGENCIES, NATURAL DISASTERS, OR OTHER PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS, PROVIDED THAT SUCH USE DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL; TO PROVIDE THAT VEHICLES DESIGNED TO TRANSPORT 10 TO 15 PASSENGERS MUST, WHEN TRANSPORTING STUDENTS, MEET FEDERAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY STANDARDS; TO SPECIFY THAT THE OPERATION OF SUCH A VEHICLE DOES NOT REQUIRE A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, PROVIDED THE VEHICLE IS NOT DESIGNED OR USED TO TRANSPORT 16 OR MORE PASSENGERS, INCLUDING THE DRIVER; TO AMEND SECTION 37-41-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS, WHEN TRANSPORTING STUDENTS ON TRIPS OTHER THAN REGULAR ROUTES TO AND FROM SCHOOL, SHALL NOT DRIVE AT A SPEED GREATER THAN THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, BUT IN NO EVENT ABOVE 65 MILES PER HOUR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The amendments also facilitate temporary transportation for students who typically do not qualify when there are imminent threats to safety. School boards are empowered to create agreements with local emergency management and law enforcement agencies to utilize school buses in emergencies or natural disasters, provided these actions do not disrupt regular school transportation. This significant expansion could enhance safety net provisions for vulnerable students and improve overall community emergency response capabilities.
Summary
Senate Bill 2290 amends Sections 37-41-3, 37-41-13, 37-41-27, and 37-41-47 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. The bill allows school boards to provide transportation for students living less than one mile from school if a demonstrable danger exists for these students walking to school. The bill specifies that dangers may include lack of sidewalks, heavily trafficked roadways, documented patterns of violence, or hazardous environments, thus broadening the criteria under which transportation is permitted.
Contention
Some concerns may arise regarding the implementation of the new transportation guidelines. Critics may argue about the subjective nature of defining 'demonstrable danger,' leading to variability in how different school boards implement the policy. Additionally, ensuring that school buses meet federal safety standards without requiring commercial driver’s licenses could raise questions related to safety, liability, and operational readiness during emergencies or high-risk transportation needs.
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 16.1-340.2 and 37.2-810, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation of person in the temporary detention process.
Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26
Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation.