Bill
Bill > S2447
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires school bus drivers to submit to biannual testing for drugs and alcohol. Under the bill, all drivers of buses or other vehicles used by a board of education or by a private or parochial school for the transportation of pupils to and from school will, in addition to any other medical exam or testing required by law, be required to submit to unannounced medical testing twice each school year for the presence of alcohol, narcotics, or habit-producing drugs within the scope of the "New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act," P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.). The employing board of education or contractor will determine the timing of the medical testing and will receive the results of the medical testing. The bill requires that a school bus driver be immediately ineligible to operate a school bus or other vehicle used for the transportation of pupils to and from school if:· the results of the driver's medical testing disqualifies the driver from continued service; or · the driver refuses to submit to the medical testing. The bill provides that a school bus driver cannot be terminated from employment on the basis of the results of the driver's medical testing without an opportunity to challenge the accuracy of the disqualifying testing report. The Commissioner of Education is directed to establish criteria for disqualifying a school bus driver from the continued operation of a school bus or other vehicle used for the transportation of pupils based on the results of medical testing. The commissioner is also directed to develop an appeal process to resolve any dispute raised by a school bus driver concerning a disqualification made pursuant to the bill's provisions. Finally, the bill requires the employing board of education or contractor, prior to the beginning of transportation of school pupils, to annually file evidence of the medical testing required pursuant to the bill's provisions with the executive county superintendent.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that all school bus drivers, whether employed by a public school district or a private or parochial school, must undergo unannounced drug and alcohol testing twice each school year, in addition to any other required medical examinations. This testing will be conducted under the "New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act," which covers illegal drugs and substances that can be abused. The school district or contractor employing the driver will decide when the tests occur and will receive the results. If a driver's test results are disqualifying or if they refuse to be tested, they will be immediately ineligible to drive a school bus. However, a driver cannot be fired based solely on test results without an opportunity to dispute the accuracy of the report. The Commissioner of Education will establish the specific criteria for disqualification and create an appeal process for drivers who are disqualified. Finally, employers must annually submit proof of this required medical testing to the executive county superintendent before school transportation begins.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2447 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2447_I1.HTM |
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