A bill that would help boards of education in New Jersey hire drivers for small school vehicles and end the competition with package delivery companies looking to hire van drivers has cleared a major step.
The legislation (A2180) would create a “Type S” vehicle certificate for drivers in the state of cars or minivans that weigh 3,000 pounds or more and carry 9 or less students. It would relieve those drivers from having to get the same commercial drivers license required for larger school buses and trucks.
It was unanimously passed by the state Assembly on Monday. A companion bill was introduced in the state Senate last month and is before the chamber’s transportation committee. The bills need to be passed by both houses of the state Legislature before they go to Gov. Phil Murphy for a final decision.
Proponents of the bill say it would help school districts and bus companies because drivers of these “Type S” school vehicles would not have to get a commercial driver’s license, meaning they wouldn’t compete for the same labor pool as delivery companies.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, both school districts and bus contractors have reported problems hiring drivers, even with increased pay and other hiring incentives.
Now drivers of those small school vehicles need a class C commercial driver’s license, which also covers large delivery vans, small box trucks or bucket trucks that weigh 26,001 pounds or less or a passenger vehicle with a capacity up to 16 people.
The bill is seen as a way to increase the number of people who would apply to drive these smaller school vehicles, said Assemblyman William Moen Jr., D-Camden, primary sponsor of the legislation.
“Through A2180, we are taking proactive steps toward alleviating the burden that the school bus driver shortage places on our education systems,” he said in a statement.
Type S drivers would have to be at least 21 old, pass a physical and eye exam, and complete training for interacting with students with special needs.They would have to meet other safety requirements for regular school bus drivers, including getting a criminal background check and face the same penalties for misconduct.
“This legislation would ease the strain associated with the bus driver shortage in away that prevents increased costs and prioritizes student safety,” said Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly, D-Passaic, also a prime sponsor of the bill.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry.
