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Bill > AB393


WI AB393

WI AB393
School bus operation by drivers over 70 and drivers with medical conditions.


summary

Introduced
08/29/2025
In Committee
01/23/2026
Crossed Over
01/20/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, a person may not operate a school bus unless the Department of Transportation has issued a school bus or XSY endorsement to their operator[s license. A person must meet several requirements to be issued an XSY endorsement, including meeting certain physical standards, and a person[s XSY endorsement can be canceled for medical reasons. A person whose XSY endorsement has been canceled can apply to reinstate the endorsement. The application is considered by a medical review board that makes a final recommendation to DOT. Under administrative rules promulgated by DOT, a review board may recommend that an exception be granted by DOT if the review board determines the person[s medical condition does not impair their ability to safely operate a school bus. This bill provides that a person whose XSY endorsement has been cancelled for medical reasons that would require a medical review board exception may reinstate the endorsement by providing DOT documentation prepared by a health care provider stating that the person is able to resume operating a school bus. When DOT receives the documentation, DOT must reinstate the person[s XSY endorsement, which remains valid unless the medical review board determines the reinstatement is improper. Under current law, review boards must consist of licensed physicians or optometrists, to be appointed by the secretary of transportation. The bill provides that physician assistants and advanced practice nurses are also eligible to be appointed to review boards. Under current law, DOT may, by rule, require any person who is issued an operator[s license that is valid for more than two years to demonstrate continuing qualifications to hold the license at two-year intervals. The bill authorizes DOT, by rule, to require testing in intervals of not less than two years. The bill also provides that DOT must require any person who is 70 years of age or older and holds an XSY endorsement to file a medical certification annually and demonstrate their continuing ability to hold a license at four-year intervals.

AI Summary

This bill modifies regulations for school bus drivers, particularly those over 70 years old or with medical conditions. The bill allows drivers whose school bus endorsement has been canceled for medical reasons to reinstate their endorsement by providing documentation from a healthcare provider confirming their ability to safely operate a school bus. Additionally, the bill expands the composition of medical review boards to include physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, not just physicians and optometrists. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is now authorized to require license qualification testing at intervals of not less than two years. For drivers 70 years and older with a school bus endorsement, the bill mandates annual medical certification and demonstrates continuing ability to hold a license at four-year intervals. These changes aim to balance public safety concerns with providing opportunities for experienced drivers to continue operating school buses by implementing more flexible and comprehensive medical review processes. The modifications provide a clearer pathway for drivers to maintain or regain their school bus endorsements while ensuring ongoing medical fitness to drive.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (11)

Last Action

Available for scheduling (on 01/23/2026)

bill text


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