Amendment ID: S3178-262

Amendment 262

Modernizing Student Transportation

Messrs. Crighton and  Gómez, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Cronin move that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-

SECTION XX. Section 7D of chapter 90 is hereby amended by striking out the first paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

The requirements of clauses (1), (2), (3), (5), (7), (8), (9), (10), (13) and (16) of section seven B shall apply to any motor vehicle carrying not more than eight passengers in addition to the operator, used in the business of transporting school pupils for hire under terms of contract or otherwise, while so used, but not including any motor vehicle used for not more than five days in case of emergency. The requirement of clauses (2), (3), (5), (8), (9), (10), (13) and (16) of section seven B shall apply to any motor vehicle manufactured after the year 2018, carrying not more than eight passengers in addition to the operator, used in the business of transporting school pupils for hire under terms of contract or otherwise, while so used, but not including any motor vehicle used for not more than five days in case of emergency. In addition, each such vehicle shall be required to be equipped with one pair of adequate chock blocks, a fire extinguisher, three flares in compliance with United States Motor Vehicle D.O.T. Safety Standard No. 125, which shall be placed upon the roadway in conformance with section fourteen B of chapter eighty-five when such vehicle becomes disabled upon the traveled portion of any way, and seat belts for each permanent seating accommodation designed and installed in compliance with applicable United States Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Each such vehicle manufactured after 2018, used in the business of transporting school pupils for hire under terms of contract or otherwise, while so used, shall have a rooftop sign marked "School Transportation" that is reflective and magnetic, but does not have to be permanently affixed to the vehicle. No person shall operate a motor vehicle referred to in this section, nor knowingly allow any passenger to ride in such vehicle unless the operator and all passengers are wearing a safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened. In addition, each person or entity operating a motor vehicle under this section shall conduct pre-service, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing of each operator equivalent to 49 C.F.R. Part 382.