(NASHVILLE) — Monday evening, Republican lawmakers unanimously approved legislation sponsored by House Majority Assistant Leader David Hawk (R-Greeneville) designed to enhance transportation safety for Tennessee students.
House Bill 322 requires all school districts, as well as charter schools to appoint a transportation supervisor to monitor and oversee student transportation. This supervisor must receive annual training developed from both the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDS) and must also implement a school transportation policy adopted by the local board of education.
Additionally, House Bill 322 requires all new bus drivers to complete a driver training program based on standards developed by the TDOE and the TDS prior to transporting any students. This bill also increases the minimum age for individuals seeking to obtain a school bus operator endorsement license from 21 to 25.
The legislation follows a deadly school bus accident in Chattanooga last year that killed six children. A 2014 school bus crash in Knoxville — caused by distracted driving — also killed two children and a teacher’s aide.
“We must protect our children as they travel to and from school each and every day and ensure that their safety is not jeopardized,” said Leader Hawk. “It is my hope that this legislation will prevent incidents similar to those in Chattanooga and Knoxville from occurring in the future.”
The full text of House Bill 322 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB0322.pdf
David Hawk serves as the House Majority Assistant Leader. He is also a member of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources, House Rules and House Finance, Ways & Means Committee, as well as the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee. Hawk lives in Greeneville and represents House District 5, which includes part of Greene County. He can be reached by email at Rep.David.Hawk@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7482.
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