ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 22, 2008) — An audit that found fault with school transportation operations earlier this year may leave Minnesota awash in legislative reform.

Last week, the Senate unanimously passed requirements for drivers of non-school bus student transport vehicles, such as vans and SUVs. Under SF 2988, Type III drivers must undergo physical examinations, background checks, drug and alcohol testing, and safety training. The drivers would also be barred from using cell phones while driving.

Reporting the 61-0 vote, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Rick Olseen (DFL-Harris), cited the Office of the Legislative Auditor’s conclusion that found some districts "fell short" of best practices. Among several recommendations, the report concluded the state should develop additional qualifications for Type III drivers. A similar bill has been read twice in the house.

SF 3223 takes on another of the report’s recommendations, requiring the state patrol to develop an Office of Pupil Transportation Safety. Currently, school buses fall under the commercial motor vehicles department. The office would be responsible for implementing law, preparing an inspection manual, helping districts develop transportation policy, developing an inspection record system and conducting district audits. In addition to the director, the office would have three state troopers and 15 inspectors. As of this writing, the bill had not yet passed.

Both the Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) and the Minnesota School Bus Operator’s Association (MSBOA) said they support both requirements. But they have been more critical of a section of an omnibus bill that requires greater disclosure in transportation contracts.

Under a section of SF 3001, contracts must include reporting on training requirements, driver recruitment and retention, district crashes and traffic convictions, highway patrol inspections and hire dates. While most of this is innocuous, MAPT president Dave Peterson said the hire date requirement serves unions trying to increase membership, not, necessarily, safety. An earlier version of the bill required public disclosure of wage information. Peterson said he worried that this might create significant bureaucracy.

The Minnesota Senate and House will have until the end of the legislative session on May 19 to pass all three measures.