JLM S.B. 517 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC EDUCATION
S.B. 517
By: Bivins (Hawley)
5-18-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, Texas law does not state whether or not 15 passenger vans may
be used to transport students.  Some school districts may be unclear about
the legality of using 15 passenger vans to transport students on certain
routes.  This bill requires school buses to be used for school bus routes
that have 15 or more students and authorizes the use of passenger vans for
routes that have fewer than 15 students. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 517 requires school buses to be used for school bus
routes that have 15 or more students and authorizes passenger vans to be
used for routes that have fewer than 15 students. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 34.003, Education Code, by amending Subsection
(b) and (c) and   adding Subsections (d)-(e), to provide that only school
buses or motor buses may   be used to transport 15 or more, rather than 10
or more, students.  Deletes a   provision requiring school buses or motor
buses to be chartered from motor bus   companies, or district-owned buses
meeting the safety standards prescribed for   vehicles used by motor bus
companies.  Provides that passenger cars or passenger   vans may be used
to transport fewer than 15, rather than 10 students.  Requires the
operator of the vehicle to ensure certain conditions apply in all
circumstances in   which passenger cars or passenger vans are used to
transport students.  Defines   "passenger van" and "motor bus."  Makes
conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 34.004, Education Code, as follows:
  Sec. 34.004.  STANDING CHILDREN.  Prohibits a school district from
requiring or allowing a child to stand on a school bus or passenger van
that is in   motion. 

SECTION 3. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 1997-98
school year. 

SECTION 4. Emergency Clause.
  Effective Date:  Upon Passage.