The state legislator passed House Bill 1170, which bans school bus drivers from driving commercially for up to 10 years if they are arrested for driving under the influence while operating any vehicle or refuse to take chemical tests when stopped by law enforcement. At this writing, the bill was awaiting Gov. Bobby Jindal’s signature.

“This is not likely to be vetoed,” said George Horne, a pupil transportation consultant in Metairie, La. “I think it strengthens our business, the pupil transportation industry, to have such a law as this.”

If the law goes into effect, it would allow bus drivers who refuse the DWI test or get cited for DWI to lower the suspension to five years if they seek and complete drug or alcohol counseling, medical treatment or medically-approved group therapy.

“You should always be opened minded to giving somebody another chance, I just wouldn’t want to give them another chance and they get another DUI,” Horne added.

The existing law allows a one-year suspension for a bus driver who is caught driving a commercial or personal vehicle after being cited for driving under the influence. State law also requires that a school bus driver who is convicted of a second offense or refuses the breathalyzer or chemical test a second time to lose their bus driving license for life. Rep. Nancy Landry, who introduced the bill, said this section of the statute would remain the same.