Bill > SF583

This bill modifies Minnesota statutes to expand third-party testing capabilities for school bus drivers by allowing transit operators to participate in driver testing programs. Specifically, the bill adds two new definitions to the state transportation statutes: "school bus service," which encompasses transportation for students using either school buses or public transportation, and "transit operator," defined as a provider of transit bus services. The key change is in section 171.3213, which previously allowed only school districts and school bus companies to conduct third-party driver testing. The bill now permits transit operators to enter into agreements with school districts, school bus companies, and other transit operators to test school bus and transit bus driver employees who provide student transportation services. These testing agreements must be submitted to the commissioner for approval, and the certified third-party tester must be employed by a participating organization. The provisions of this bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and will apply to agreements entered into on or after that date, providing more flexibility and potential efficiency in school bus driver testing and certification.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0583&ssn=0&y=2025