Gov. Phil Murphy has signed into law a bill that aims to alleviate a school bus driver shortage that has hit students with disabilities in New Jersey harder than most.
The legislation, S-3000, allows more people to qualify as drivers of the smaller school buses, known as “Type S” vehicles, typically used to transport special education students. Districts have struggled to staff the buses in recent years, making it harder for students to get to classes or other community programs. The law expands the pool of eligible operators by removing the need for a commercial driver’s license, said state Sen. Vincent Polistina, R-Atlantic, one of its chief sponsors along with Sen. James Beach, D-Camden.
“Whether the district is reducing staff and services due to a reduction in funding or struggling to find qualified candidates to fill positions, I will always support legislation that helps reduce the burden while allowing the schools to function at the most effective level possible,” Polistina said in an email.
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