HOGLUND BUS AND TRUCK BLOGS

From School Transportation News Magazine - March 2009

Sound Solution in Minnesota

State Sen. Rick Olseen introduced a bill to correct difficulties that cropped up after a law he authorized requiring Type III school bus drivers to get physicals caused problems for drivers at schools for the deaf.

Olseen introduced the orginial bill requiring drivers of vans and Suburbans to undergo physical examinations, submit to background checks and drug and alcohol testing and to undergo safety training last year after a critical statewide audit. But the physical requirement unintentionally prohibited some hearing-impaired staff at schools for the deaf from operating the vehicles.

The revised bill specifically exempts employees not hired expressly for the purpose of operating a Type III vehicle from the requirement. Sen. Olseen said these employees will still be subject to school employee background checks, and an annual review of their driver licenses should provide fair protection without the cost to districts. After the first bill was passed, he got many calls from districts about this burden, he said.

Not all are happy with the revised bill. The Minnesota School Bus Operators Association said the changes do well to help those hearing-impaired employees but go too far in eliminating requirements for teachers and coaches. The organization would like to see all who drive subject to the same requirements.